Meg Okura and the Pan Asian Chamber Jazz Ensemble
Naima
www.megokura.com
By George W. Harris

For years, musicians have tried to coagulate the oil and water of jazz
and classical. To these ears, it seems to be successful only in the
chamber orchestra context, as evidenced by pianist Billy Childs, and on
recordings like this wondrous session with violinist Meg Okura. Leading
an octet that combines a jazz trio with strings and winds, Okura is
able to give intriguing shadings to songs ranging from John Coltrane’s
“Naima” to Asian folk to Latin dances.

The PACJE can create a mood like a gentle Japanese garden (“Hannah’s
Vocalise”) or create an intoxicating latin riff based on a Paganini
piece (“Caprice”) which will get you dancing with your partner. There
are also complex rhythms as in “San San Nana Byoshi” that rushes by
like a Monorail, while the 4 piece Suite mixes Japanese and Chinese
themes that balance delicacy with melancholy sobriety. Fascinating
music on a plethora of levels.