Norio Maeda Trio
Alpha Ray
Norio Maeda ignites this trio date with raw, thrilling momentum — one of his most electrifying records. Stripped-down and urgent, the music bursts with kinetic energy: tight, swinging interplay that sparks like vintage 60s bossa bands yet barrels in its own direction. Maeda’s piano cuts through with bold, adventurous lines; Tatsuro Takimoto’s bass is muscular and melodic; Takeshi Inomata’s drumming is sharp, driving, relentless. Standout tracks include "Alpha Ray," "Fifth Column," "Slobber," "St…