takuya kuroda: fly moon die soon
Francisco Espregueira
Hailing from Kobe, Japan, but based in Brooklyn, Takuya Kuroda is an ascendant trumpeter and composer, perhaps best known for his inspired presence in vocalist José James’ band over the past several years. The Japanese also leads his own bands, having released records on Blue Note and Concord Records, showcasing his warm tones, his storytelling and modern, forward-thinking approach to soulful jazz, funk, post-bop, fusion and hip hop music. Via First Word Records, Kuroda presents his latest project entitled Fly Moon Die Soon, culminating years exposure to the NYC jazz and hip hop scene, performing with the likes of Akoya Afrobeat and DJ Premier's BADDER band.
In Kuroda words, "this album is about the irony between the greatness of nature and the beautiful obsceneness of humanity. Melodies and grooves fly back and forth from being spiritual to being vulgar." Fly Moon Die Soon took two years to complete, based in the trumpeter’s creations at home, then developed in inspired studio sessions and polished track by track, section by section back home again, with the collaboration of an array of talent. The album consists of nine tracks of excellence - exploring uptempo jazz-funk, soulful jazz cuts, downtempo grooves and infectious piano riffs. We let Fly Moon Die Soon breathe - Takuya Kuroda is a truly unique talent, and this album is a realization of the evolution of his sound. Available in vinyl, courtesy of First Word Records.