Credits:

Hiroshi Ozone

Description:

Born the second son of pianist/organist Minoru Ozone, who contributed greatly to the development of the Kansai jazz scene, saxophonist Kei Ozone grew up in a jazz family with his older brother Makoto Ozone. He has recently produced his first solo album. Makoto Ozone, who had long recognized his talent for saxophone and composition and had been urging him to produce an album for many years, produced the album and participated in all aspects of the performance. He is backed by Kengo Nakamura and Sinnosuke Takahashi, the ironclad rhythm section of No Name Horses, a big band led by Makoto Ozone. The album consists of nine songs: five originals by Kei Ozone, three standards, and Mitchell Foreman's "Gorgeous," a song he remembers his brother Makoto teaching him when he was in his 20s. All of the original songs are melodious, pleasant to the ear, and close to the heart. The straightforward, airy sound and the interplay between the band members make this album a true jazz treat. (C)RS