Today we’re looking at one lovely record - it’s Branches Vol. 2 by Brooklyn based Japanese violinist and composer Tomoko Omura. Tomoko’s works span a fairly vast territory, encompassing areas from jazz, modal jazz, post-bop, Japanese folk, gypsy music, and fusion with varying musicians. Branches Vol. 2 is the physical and spiritual successor of Branches Vol. 1.
I actually never even heard of Tomoko Omura until like a couple of months ago when she was recommended to me by a friend. Upon hearing the first song off Branches Vol. 2, I was smitten and instantly sold. After my first listen, it became one of my favorite albums of the year and that feeling is only solidifying as the weeks pass.
It’s actually interesting, because on my first couple of listens it seemed to be one thing and after a few more it changed in my perspective, with an additional shift occurring around my dozenth listen or so. I’m saying this because I rarely have such wide shifts in perspective of a record in short time periods. It is unusual, but a refreshing change of pace to be honest.
To be specific, at first it just seemed like an eclectic and forward-thinking jazz record, then it kind of looked like a folk record with progressive leanings and jazz bits, now it’s a progressive rock record with jazz phrasings and a Japanese folk twang to it.
I’m definitely sticking with the last version; it really feels like a progressive rock record that doesn’t feel at home pounding drums and turning up the gain on guitars. It just doesn’t do enough of the jazz thing to fully label it as such, nor does it emphasize the folk segment enough – at least in terms of composition. Jazz definitely comes in as the second most present element, with the ethnic folk coming in last. I would note that sometimes this folk flavor does take some oddly classically inclined shades, what with a piano being present alongside a violin.
If you want to look at it like a jazz record, it’s definitely an unusual one, and definitely one that is focused on the fusion aspect more than anything else in that sense. It’s a forward thinking record no matter how you look at it. It is also delightfully soft and pleasant, less like a lullaby, and more like a journey where only good things happen.
Branches Vol. 2 is not an easy listen in spite of these characteristics. It takes a fair deal of attention to uncover all the details that are neatly and cursively nestled within. Its energetic demeanor coupled with its sometimes tender delivery make for a disarming experience at times, which can feel very sweet.
The varied instrumentation as well as the nuanced compositions create an almost cinematic vibe as we traverse the contents of the album. The dynamic in pace further paints subtleties into these soundscapes.
Everything feels very thoughtfully put together, leaving not even one rest to chance, without feeling forced even in the slightest. This kind of meticulous approach may not be strikingly noticeable at first but it counts for the end result, probably more than anything else.
Finally, I’d add that it’s truly a unique experience as a whole. I’m really at a loss in naming anything even vaguely similar, let alone at this level of masterful exposition. It’s definitely one of the best records of this year and I strongly recommend this as obligatory listening material to anyone – regardless of tastes.
