Projects
Gato Libre
Natsuki Tamura - trumpet
Kazuhiko Tsumura - guitar
Satoko Fujii - accordion
Norikatsu Koreyasu - bass
New Gato Libre
Natsuki Tamura - trumpet
Kazuhiko Tsumura - guitar
Satoko Fujii - accordion
Yasuko Kaneko - trombone
“Trumpeter Natsuki Tamura has a thorough command of brass technique and
elsewhere has proved to be a true innovator in extended techniques,
keeping the flame lit by the masters of avant-garde trumpet burning
brightly. Gato Libre displays another facet of his musical personality…
The beauty and expressive depth of Tamura’s impressions is immediately
captivating.”―Bill Barton, All About Jazz Seattle
“Lyrical and dynamic are the operative words, as the lead trumpet lines
on the title track make clear with their south-of-the-border coupling
of tenderness and passion… this extraordinary set ranks at the top of
Tamura’s distinguished discography.” ― Sam Prestianni, Jazziz
Gato Libre plays music that sounds almost familiar. Tamura’s original
compositions sometimes sound like folk music from Eastern or South
Europe ― but there’s always a little something that makes them
different and elusive. And while they are beautiful tunes, they are
often a bit melancholy. The acoustic quartet plays these pieces calmly
but with great sensitivity and intensity.
Gato Libre has released four CDs: Strange Village (2005), Nomad (2006),
Kuro (2008), and Shiro (2010).
First Meeting
Natsuki Tamura – trumpet
Satoko Fujii - piano
Kelly Churko – guitar
Tatsuhisa Yamamoto – drums
“… wild and unrelenting noise, evolving from utter chaos towards an
increasing intensity of such a level that it becomes strangely
compelling… Weird, strange things happen here, but they are worth
listening to… It is great stuff for people with very open ears. Keep
listening!”―Stef Gijssels, Free Jazz
First Meeting is an acoustic noise improvisation band with a sense of
adventure and a sense of humor. In many improvised music situations,
playing a diatonic scale can get you some evil looks. First Meeting,
however, is completely free in that respect. They place no limits on
what they can do. The range of volume and expression is as broad as
these four sonic explorers can make it.
First Meeting has released Cut The Rope.