Subaqueous Silence Ayumi Tanaka Trio

• 1 Ruins 06:39
• 2 Black Rain 04:52
• 3 Ruins II 02:42
• 4 Ichi 03:35
• 5 Zephyr 03:04
• 6 Towards the Sea 04:14
• 7 Subaqueous Silence 09:25
• Total Runtime 34:31

Info for Subaqueous Silence

"Subaqueous Silence", pianist Ayumi Tanaka’s leader debut for ECM – following critically acclaimed releases with Thomas Strønen (Lucus, Bayou) – is a strikingly original statement. Tanaka met bassist Christian Meaas Svendsen and drummer Per Oddvar Johansen shortly after arriving in Oslo a decade ago and they have been developing their musical language together, exploring the implications of Ayumi’s compositions. Deep interest in the work of Norwegian improvisers prompted Tanaka’s move to the West, but she also speaks of a growing awareness of her own cultural roots; there is an ascetic rigour in her playing, as well as a sense of space suggesting affinities with Japanese classical music. Ayumi views the trio as “more like a chamber ensemble. We share a flow of energy, even in silence.” Per Oddvar Johansen’s subtle drumming has previously distinguished recordings with Trygve Seim, Christian Wallumrød and others. Christian Meaas Svendsen makes his first ECM appearance on Subaqueous Silence; his intensely expressive arco bass on “Black Rain” is among the album’s highlights.

Ayumi Tanaka, piano
Christian Meaas Svendsen, double bass
Per Oddvar Johansen, drums

Ayumi Tanaka
is a Japanese pianist and composer currently living in Norway. She leads the Ayumi Tanaka trio which debuted in 2016 with the album Memento. Later that year, she released her second album 3 pianos with another trio. In 2018, Ayumi went on to record under ECM Records as part of Thomas Strønen’s ensemble.

In April 2021, the album “Bayou” of the co-leading trio with Thomas Strønen and Marthe Lea will be released on ECM Records. The new album of Ayumi Tanaka Trio is expecting to be released later in the same year.

Ayumi continues to perform internationally with various ensembles including in Japan, India, Germany, Nordic countries, the US and Brazil. Ayumi holds Bachelors and Masters Degrees in Musical Performance in Jazz and Improvisation from the Norwegian Academy of Music. Ayumi began studying at Yamaha Music School from age 3 and when she was fifteen, won first prize in the Yamaha Junior Electone Competition.

Booklet for Subaqueous Silence