US based, Japanese born pianist, Takeshi Asai, returns with another live recording of his French trio, which comprises of Pascal Combeau on bass and Maxime Legrand on drums. The latest instalment was recorded at Les Ondines in Fouras, France, as part of their tour in the summer of 2017.

This time around, there are a few more covers. The album opens with a delightful arrangement of The Fool On The Hill. It begins with a slow, improvised intro by Asai, before the melody emerges and the band comes in. About halfway through, the band allow the tune to break down, before gradually rebuilding once more. One of the things I enjoyed about this arrangement is that it never forgets to swing!

Tearful Eyes is an original, and was composed back in 1993, having been inspired by the Japanese poet Kenji Miyazawa. Despite the title, it has an upbeat tempo, with Maxime Legrand swinging on drums, giving way to a lovely bass solo by Pascal Combeau. There’s a Latin vibe as the tune comes to an end, with Asai trading ideas with Legrand to good effect.

37 Ans (37 Years) is another intriguing original, with an equally intriguing story behind it, with the pianist reflecting on what had happened to old Middle School friends over the intervening years. Coming Home has a lovely melody, and was inspired by the mixed emotions felt after coming home from a long tour.

Caravan, by Duke Ellington, is really a showcase for Legrand’s drumming, but Asai’s playing also shines on this tune, which is one of my favourites on the album. Although we’ve all heard this tune many times before, it still sounds fresh in the hands of this fine trio.

Dix is another older composition by Asai, resurrected and brought to life by the French trio. It’s a tribute to Dixieland, as the title suggests, although this was not obvious from listening to the tune. It’s an enjoyable piece, nonetheless. More impressive was I Remember The Castle, another Asai original. It has featured on a number of his previous live recordings, and never sounds the same way twice, with the Trio constantly reinventing the feel of the tune. It also features a fine drum solo by Maxime Legrand.

St. Thomas by Sonny Rollins was recorded as an encore, and fittingly, brings the album to a close. This tune has always had the feel-good factor – what Asai refers to as “the simple truth of the joy of music.” 

His French Trio has that in abundance, and Volume 4 is a welcome addition to the collection.