Eri Yamamoto: piano (all tracks
William Parker: bass (only on tracks 3 & 7)
Federico Ughi: drums (only on tracks 1 & 8)
Hamid Drake: frame drum (only on tracks 4 & 6)
Daniel Carter: alto sax (only on track 2), tenor sax (only on track 5)

Editor's info:
Eri Yamamoto moved to NYC from Japan a little over a decade ago. A classically trained piano prodigy, she initially came just to visit her sister, but after hearing Tommy Flanagan perform in trio in Central Park, Eri had a momentous revelation that her future would be with jazz. On our first hearing her play, it was evident that her passion had been ignited, that her devotion to learning was pure, and that the musical gifts which would allow her to add to the stream of jazz beauty were plentiful.

When William Parker came to record his first album of compositions for piano trio, he chose Eri to occupy that seat (Luc's Lantern in 2005). He then brought her into his Raining On The Moon ensemble, and the wisdom of that decision is in full evidence on their recent album, Corn Meal Dance. She fully impressed Matthew Shipp as well, who brought her to the Blues Series/Thirsty Ear label to record her previous trio album Cobalt Blue in 2006.

Duologue is Eri Yamamoto's first album as a leader outside of the piano trio format. Each piece was composed by her specifically with each duo partner in mind (Daniel Carter, William Parker, Hamid Drake, Federico Ughi) and each piece is informed and suffused by their respective musical / personal essences. Eri writes incredibly beautiful songs. Contemplative, jubilant, mesmerizing songs. Songs which we've found increasingly rewarding with each successive listen. Her improvisations within them, guided by the rhythm as much as the melody, are invitingly exploratory. We're proud as ever to present this great work from an especially gifted new creative entity, in communion with already established masters of the form of music which brings forth beauty through sound. -SJ