JUNKO ONISHI TRIO — Cruisin' (1993) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

On her debut, pianist Junko Onishi (who is accompanied by bassist Rodney Whitaker and drummer Billy Higgins) shows a great deal of creativity. She builds up her "Eulogia" gradually and colorfully with impressive use of the piano's lower register. When she tackles Ornette Coleman's "Congeniality," Onishi manages to be both free and melodic and the pianist also comes up with something fresh to say on "Caravan." In general her tricky frameworks, self-restraint, use of space and careful attention to dynamics and pacing are impressive and show quite a bit of maturity. Scott Yanow
Tracklist:
1 Eulogia 8:58
Written By – Junko Onishi
2 The Shepherd 6:03
Written By – Duke Ellington
3 Summertime 7:50
Written By – DuBose Heyward, George Gershwin
4 Congeniality 11:15
Written By – Ornette Coleman
5 Melancholia 2:32
Written By – Duke Ellington
6 Caravan 6:21
Written By – Duke Ellington, Irving Mills, Juan Tizol
7 Roz 7:58
Written By – Rodney Whitaker
8 Switchin' It 3:31
Written By – Junko Onishi
9 Blue Seven 7:09
Written By – Sonny Rollins
Credits:
Bass – Rodney Whitaker
Drums – Billy Higgins
Piano – Junko Onishi