For those unaware, two of improvised music’s provocateurs, trumpeter Natsuki Tamura and guitarist Keiji Haino, join forces for the first time in the outrageously unpredictable What Happened There? (due out January 24th, 2025 via Libra Records).

Recorded live at the daylong Aremo Koremo (Each and Every) festival, which is curated by Tamura and his wife, pianist-composer Satoko Fujii, the densely packed set gleefully subverts expectations, veering abruptly from lyrical beauty to sonic abstraction, from pensive quiet to the reckless energy, all with a leavening of absurdity and humor that makes for a riveting performance full of surprises.

Satoko and I were thinking about interesting musicians to play with during the marathon live at Pit Inn, and Haino came to mind, Tamura says. I Had never played with him before and I thought it would be an interesting challenge. We didn’t talk about what we would do, all we said was ’nice to meet you’ right before we played.

1. What Happened There? (35:43)

In what is just the one-titled track for the entire 35 minute recording, the pair come together almost instantly as the infectious exchange of energy between them is palpable from the off for the listener.

A combination of experienced improviser and empathetic, yet scholared partner combine to bring forth a wondrously free-spirited set that both soars and sweeps, rises and falls, runs and canters, whilst at the same time always delivering a jazz-inflected collection of musings that never sounds tired.

At times it is clearly evident that starting into some pieces they decide to discard them early on, re-adjust without hesitation, and simply move forward into a new musical realm. Which makes this work of organic art one of the most openly honest that I have personally heard in the past decade or so.

Inclusive of vocalizations along the way from both, each applies their vast tool kits of extended trumpet and guitar techniques on their main instruments to pack the music with unusual timbres and textures.

Official Purchase Links

www.natsukitamura.com