BIGYUKI
Despite the obstacles and limitations that arise day after day, they could not become a de facto barrier to creative thinking… The new album of the Japanese pianist BIGYUKI proves it.
New York-based Hirano Masayuki, known by his pseudonym BIGYUKI, released this month's album "Neon Chapter" (Universal Music 2021), provoked by the current situation and at the same time bringing optimism and faith that moving forward is in our hands and depends on our efforts.
BIGYUKI has been in our sights for a long time and we are closely following his projects - both his solo carrier and his recordings with drummer Mark Guiliana and the band Beat Music, as well as other New York names such as keyboardist and pianist Jason Lindner and his band Now vs Now. On the other hand, BIGYUKI has been an integral part of Ilhan Ershahin's Nublu club and culture in New York for years. A club where leading American and world renowned musicians experiment and play almost every night. This community over the years has given birth to a number of interesting projects and groups.
Participation in this environment carries with it the characteristic multicultural, but at the same time typically New York sound, in which hip-hop, ethno, electronics and jazz are mixed together.
BIGYUKI, on the other hand, has a lyrical attitude, which is usually expressed in the playing of classical works, as a kind of interlude between the more often dynamic plays in his performances.
This typical Japanese self-absorption, an inward look in search of beauty combined with external courage and a pioneering approach, but firmly rooted in tradition. And it's no coincidence that critics describe BIGYUKI as the "secret weapon" of New York's contemporary scene.
On his latest album, "Neon Chapter", he is accompanied by drummers Mark Guiliana and Eric Harland, along with a number of Japanese musicians.
Today we are immersed in the world of BIGYUKI with music from various of his projects, and his latest album can now be heard across digital platforms.
October 2021
Photo © MA
