Mika: Marimba Madness—Live in Concert 2009

One of the more unusual instruments in the jazz arsenal is showcased in this concert recorded in Tamana City in Japan's Kumamoto prefecture. Although part of the mallet percussion family, the marimba has a rather different timbre than the more commonly-heard vibraphone; the former's keys, or bars, are made of wood and thus lack the sustain and resonance of the vibes, which are metallic. But the marimba's gentle, mellow sound is very appealing in the hands of Mika Yoshida, who's here supported by the American rhythm section of drummer Steve Gadd, bassist Eddie Gomez, and pianist Richard Stoltzman, a subarashii bando (“wonderful band”) if ever there was one. Yoshida displays ample chops here in a repertoire that boasts standards including “Take the ‘A' Train,” “Caravan,” and Chick Corea's “Spain,” although she appears to play mostly written parts, leaving the improvising to the other three (Gomez is especially adept, while Gadd is a brilliant accompanist). But the material, which also features compositions by Gomez, Gadd, and Canadian composer Bill Douglas, is tailored for Yoshida, mixing intricate ensemble passages with more open, swinging sections. While the end result may be a bit too controlled to be called “madness,” this is a delightful show, overall. Recommended. Aud: P. (S. Graham)