Choral Chameleon new album ‘Goshu Ondo Suite’ by Eri Yamamoto

‘Goshu Ondo Suite’ by Eri Yamamoto
Eri Yamamoto Trio and Choral Chameleon

Recorded Live in November 2018 in New York City
Released by jazz-specialist AUM Fidelity label

A mini-documentary about the project is viewable here:

Reviews:
Thom Jurek, Allmusic.com 4.5/5
“There have been countless jazz masses and gospel-jazz recordings, with some iconic and influential recordings among them including Mary Lou Williams’ Black Christ of the Andes (1963), Donald Byrd’s A New Perspective from 1964, Duke Ellington’s 1965 Sacred Music Concert, and Dave Brubeck’s Truth Is Fallen from 1972, to name a few. Add to this prestigious legacy Eri Yamamoto’s Goshu Ondo Suite, her first work for chorus and jazz trio recorded by her longtime group with the 50-voice Choral Chameleon directed by Vince Peterson.
Yamamoto came to choral composition by accident. Vacuuming her apartment one day, she was humming the first two lines of “Goshu Ondo” in time to the machine’s rhythm. It is a traditional circle dance tune from Shiga near Kyoto, where she spent summers as a child. The light went on. She decided on the spot to write a choral piece based on the song. She spent three months composing longhand in a notebook, then sent a demo to Peterson. Before hearing it, he agreed to undertake it: He trusted Yamamoto’s instincts based on her trio recordings. It took another three months to develop the work for performance.
The unique lyrical qualities she possesses as a composer serve her well here. She reimagines the centuries-old Japanese song through her own story as a child singing and dancing to it on the shores of Lake Biwa, and as a professional musician in New York City, all refracted through the twin creative lenses of modern jazz and choral music.”
Full review: https://www.allmusic.com/album/goshu-ondo-suite-mw0003322555?fbclid=IwAR25PBJ5M4cDN58AcBGDbo8NR_N_iAHvplCi8i-eZU58u_1rYqoXx5LMKSI

“The fluid interaction between vocal chorus and jazz trio is clear within the first minute of the opening movement, a literal convocation. (What the singers are expressing, in English, would be: “Everyone, let’s get together!”) Yamamoto steers this ship from the piano, with the help of a deft rhythm section, featuring David Ambrosio on bass and Ikuo Takeuchi on drums.” Nate Chinen, WBGO 88.3 FM

Since developing the premiere of ‘Goshu Ondo Suite’ with Choral Chameleon, Eri Yamamoto has performed the piece with choirs in Spain and Japan. Choirs interested in perusing a score and interested in performing the piece with the Eri Yamamoto Trio (who have a residency at Arthur’s Tavern in NYC) should contact the composer at www.eriyamamoto.com

Audio Links:

https://www.pandora.com/artist/eri-yamamoto/goshu-ondo-suite/ALcwx67d4nn4tn9?part=ug-desktop&corr=1536838529

http://www.choralchameleon.com
http://www.aumfidelity.com
http://www.eriyamamoto.com