YO MILES! Shinjuku

"YO MILES! Shinjuku" is a captivating exploration into the avant-garde and free jazz realms, masterfully crafted by the innovative guitarist Henry Kaiser, alongside the legendary trumpeter Wadada Leo Smith. Released on January 1, 2010, via There Records, this album is a testament to the boundless creativity and improvisational prowess of its creators. Spanning a dynamic hour and eleven minutes, the record features five sprawling tracks that push the boundaries of conventional jazz and rock.

The album opens with the title track "Shinjuku," setting the stage for an exhilarating journey through the streets of Tokyo's vibrant Shinjuku district, translated into a sonic landscape of intricate guitar work and powerful brass. "Who's Targeted?" follows, a tense and dramatic piece that showcases the intense interplay between Kaiser's guitar and Smith's trumpet. The album pays homage to legendary blues musician Willie Dixon with a track bearing his name, offering a nod to the roots of American music while forging a new path.

"Miles Star" is a clear tribute to the iconic Miles Davis, with the duo paying their respects through a complex and engaging composition. The album concludes with a live recording of "Muhammad Ali," a fitting end to a record that celebrates the spirit of innovation and defiance embodied by the legendary boxer. Throughout "YO MILES! Shinjuku," Henry Kaiser and Wadada Leo Smith demonstrate their exceptional skill and artistic vision, delivering an album that is as thought-provoking as it is entertaining.