Satoko Fujii: composing beyond the jazz spirit

Today, the Spotlight shines On pianist and composer Satoko Fujii, an incredibly unique and prolific artist.

Satoko works at the intersection of jazz, contemporary classical, rock, and traditional Japanese music, composing for ensembles of many sizes and configurations. However, she is especially adept with the jazz orchestra format. For all of her efforts, Satoko is widely decorated as an improviser, composer, arranger, and band leader.

Satoko has released over 100 albums as leader or co-leader, at a clip of several each year. Music seems to tumble out of her.

The discussion you are about to hear was recorded back in late March of this year. Satoko was a thoughtful and generous conversationalist and provided insight into her creative and production process and her evolution as an artist. She also shared a bit about the unique challenge of making a life as an artist in Japan.

(The musical excerpts heard in the interview are from the albums Jet Black by the Satoko Fujii Tokyo Trio and Unwritten by the quartet Kaze, also featuring Satoko Fujii)

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Dig Deeper

• Visit Satoko Fujii at satokofujii.com
• Purchase Unwritten by Kaze (featuring Satoko Fujii) on Qobuz and Bandcamp and listen on your streaming platform of choice
• Purchase the Satoko Fujii Tokyo Trio’s Jet Black on Bandcamp and listen on Apple Music
• Follow Satoko Fujii on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter (X), and YouTube
• Satoko Fujii, a Pianist Who Finds Music Hidden in the Details of Life
• Dig into this episode’s complete show notes at spotlightonpodcast.com

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