About this album
Where they were
Released in 1995, 'Piano Quintet Suite' marked Junko Onishi's emergence as a significant voice in the jazz world following her earlier works. This album came after her debut and showcases her innovative approach to blending classical elements with post-bop jazz, highlighting her growth as a composer and performer.
Why it matters
The album received critical acclaim for its unique fusion of jazz and classical music, paving the way for Onishi to be recognized as a pioneering female artist in a predominantly male genre. It contributed to the ongoing dialogue around genre boundaries in jazz during the 1990s, influencing subsequent artists to explore similar cross-genre experimentation.
Essential tracks
- "Piano Quintet Suite" — The title track is a masterful introduction to Onishi's compositional style, weaving complex harmonies and rhythms that set the tone for the entire album.
- "Naturally" — This track highlights Onishi's lyrical piano work paired with emotive string arrangements, showcasing her ability to blend improvisation with structured composition.
- "Orange Was The Color Of Her Dress, Then Blue Silk" — This piece captures a vivid narrative through its dynamic contrasts and intricate interplay between instruments, illustrating Onishi's storytelling prowess.
Release Date
September 20, 1995
Artist Origin
Japan
Tracklist
- 1 Piano Quintet Suite 10:20
- 2 Peggie's Blue Skylight 9:21
- 3 Interlude 1 1:28
- 4 Naturally 10:34
- 5 Interlude 2 0:52
- 6 The Tropic of Capricorn 9:29
- 7 Tony 3:20
- 8 Orange Was The Color Of Her Dress, Then Blue Silk 7:57
- 9 Take The "A" Train 6:57
