DODO 3 by Toru Dodo

(Its sample

of a #1 subway line conductor announcing stops is an

added pleasure for Manhatto-philes.)

The album opener " R or B" is another compelling

composition, with varying rhythms and tempos

propelling it along, changing colors of minor and

major 7 chords and two-handed, staccato passages.

"Arabesque" showa a classical influence with its

steadily flowing current of arpeggios, while on the

solo piano" My Romance" Dodo demonstrates he can

play a ballad the old-fashioned way, spare and tasteful

with choice sprinkles of melody.

Other highlights notable for combining rhythmic

playfulness and catchy tunes are " Brush Pitch" and

" Boneless & Skinless", while Dodo 3's penultimate

track, "For Mr. M (Sazae's Theme)" , is especially

not-to- be- missed. Like a mini Keith Jarrett solo

movement, it evolves in three-plus minutes from a gentle and wistful song to a rolling, blues-and gospel-

soaked vamp.

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Swing Journal (Japanese Jazz Magazine)March 2006

Jazz Music can still be fresh and interesting without using unconventionality.

by Chihiro Nakayama

Living in the USA for 11 years, Toru Dodo's 3rd album. He is now 33 years old ---

I was surprised that he is still that young. His strong identity and maturity of music

are beyond regular musicians. His chops on piano stand out from other Japanese

pianists. After hearing him playing, pianists who recently made their debut sound

amateur.

His original compositions that sound like he mixed Jazz with 20th century

modern music shows his strong personality. This time, relaxation and humor

were added to his unique coolness that characterized his music.

You can hear his own spacing and counter line which you may call DODO's signature on the track 1, 3 &12. I believe that what is real jazz rhythm feel is you can play around the beat and groove on it. He has a high level of that ability , too. He can make 8 beat or 16 beast music a real Jazz music. His wide variety of piano sound is amazing if you compare his sharpness on track 2 with his softness on track 10. Track 4 & 7 , his original compositions, remind you of music of Debussy,but he makes them a complete jazz music. They are deep music that makes trendy "jazzy version of classical pieces" sound superficial. It is enjoyable to

listen to the speedy track 5 accompanied by a subway sound and track 8 on that he used baseball as a motif. I felt his humor and whit on his clever arrangement

on track 11.(I remember his witty talk often made the audience laugh on his homecoming concert. )

This is the album that lets us know that Jazz music can still be fresh and interesting without using unconventionality.

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Who is Toru Dodo?

TORU DODO , born in Tokyo, started playing classical piano at age 4. After he entered the Meiji University in Tokyo , he discovered Jazz music.

(His major was Economics, though.) He started gigging in Tokyo area.After he graduated , he went to Boston to study at the Berklee College of Music, '95 Summer .

After he graduated as a summa cum laude, He moved to NY in 1998. Since then he has kept his musical career going forward, He often tours around USA, Japan, Canada, West

Africa as a leader and as a sideman.

Musicians who he worked with as a side man are Kenny Garret, Benny Golson,Curtis Fuller, Ruth Brown, Terumasa Hino just to name a few.

He has released 3 of his leader album "DODO"('02)

"116 West 238 St."('04) (featuring Reuben Rogers on bass and John Lamkin on drums) and " DODO 3" ('06) (featuring Joseph Lepore on bass and Rodney Green on drums) from Japanese label , Jazz City Spirits／Muzak, all produced by a legendary guitarist ,Yosiaki Masuo.

More Info :

http://www.sns.ne.jp/dodo/

http://www.myspace.com/torudodo

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