Abyss

On 'Abyss', the young and very talented Chihiro Yamanaka plays not only piano, but also electric piano and organ. It was the sound of the Fender Rhodes on Yamanaka's own composition, the uptempo "The Root of Light", that made me decide to buy this cd.'Abyss' contains beautiful versions of Keith Jarrett's "Lucky Southern" (piano) and Coltrane's "Giant Steps" (Fender Rhodes & piano). Yamanaka's technique on piano and electric piano is flawless. She does, however, display a tendency to show off her technique a bit too much. A tune like "Sing, Sing, Sing - Give Me a Break", for instance, sounds like Yamanaka has attempted to stuff as many notes as possible into one composition. The same goes for the uptempo "Downtown Loop", where Yamanaka plays organ as if she were playing the piano. It leaves the listener with the impression he is drowning in notes. This occasional lack of breathing space is the only negative thing about 'Abyss'.All in all a very varied and sometimes daring program that deserves a hearing.