"Duets" is the follow-up recording and further development of the duo of Tokyo-based saxophonist Mamoru Takahashi, and New York drummer Tom Baker. They recorded and released "TJ's Cafe" in 2009 on which Baker was also featured in a trio setting with pianist
Noriko Kamo, and saxophonist Floyd King.
"We wanted to further explore the possibilities for sax or flute in a duo setting with drums." Fortunately, they were able to do this during Mamoru's visits to New York, and they plan to collaborate on more projects in the future. Stay tuned...
Mamoru Takahashi is an alto saxophonist who started his career playing in Japan at age 21 behind some of Japan's and America's most prolific artists during the 1980's.
While working at a jazz club in Japan, He happened to hear, Jackie McLean , Woody Shaw, Art Blakey, and Elvin Jones playing jazz music, which inspired him to find his own voice on the saxophone.
During the year 1986, upon meeting the great drummer Joe Dukes, who was lighting up the clubs in New York, Mr. Takahashi was inspired to think about New York as a profession, as it was a very exciting time for music.
The music was a wirldwind.
So please listen to Mr Takahashi's journey and enjoy his quest of life for jazz.