About Epicycle
Yuto Mitomi, a Japanese jazz saxophonist and composer based in New York, collaborated with multi-genre artists to create an album that was assembled organically, featuring elements of free improvisation, yet structured with a geometric vision, titled ‘Epicycle’.
From his debut album titled “Continuation,” his musical journey evolved into a genre-less and more complex contemporary music, incorporating elements of both acoustic and electric sounds. The album released this time is a collaboration with world-renowned artists based in NYC, including Takahiro Izumikawa (Piano, Keyboards), Moto Fukushima (six-string electric-bass), and Keita Ogawa (drums, percussions).
The title “Epicycle” refers to a geometric model used to explain the variations in speed and direction of the apparent motion of the Moon, Sun, and planets. The album title was derived from the layers in which various musical backgrounds, rhythms, and harmonies organically overlap and develop, resembling some kind of design.
The album contains five original compositions by Yuto Mitomi and three free improvisations, including Track 1 “Morning Haze”, Track 5 “Grappling Cats”, and Track 6 “Moony Night” which were completely improvised and recorded in the studio. The title track of the album, “Epicycle,” is divided into two parts, with Part I characterized by spatial flow, and Part II dramatically featuring a crossover of multiple different tempos. “Spline” is also a mathematical word referring to a type of curve used to create smooth and continuous curves, which align with the naturally and flexibly of music directions. Following Morning Haze,“Dew “ a melodically odd meter (4/7) tune that focuses more on the compositional side of ensemble arrangement. The album concludes with “Same Sky Same Night” a ballad combined with rock feel and classical chorale harmony.
Yuto Mitomi – Tenor Saxophone, (https://yutomitomi.com/)
Takahiro Izumikawa – Piano (https://www.takahiroizumikawa.com/)
Moto Fukushima – Six String Electric Bass (https://www.motobass.com/)
Keita Ogawa – Drums (https://keitaogawa.com/)
