"No Name Horses II" is a vibrant and dynamic jazz album by the renowned Japanese pianist and composer Makoto Ozone, released on February 27, 2008, under Universal Music LLC. This collection of 11 tracks, with a total duration of 1 hour and 11 minutes, showcases Ozone's exceptional talent and his ability to blend various jazz styles seamlessly.
The album features the accomplished No Name Horses big band, which Ozone formed in 2004. The ensemble has garnered international acclaim, performing in prestigious venues across France, Austria, the US, the UK, Singapore, and Japan. "No Name Horses II" is a testament to the band's chemistry and musical prowess, with notable performances by Eijiro Nakagawa on clarinet and tenor saxophone, and Ozone himself on the Hammond organ.
The tracklist is a diverse journey through jazz, with standout pieces like "γγΌγ»γΉγγͺγ³γ°γΉγ»γ’γΏγγγ" (No Strings Attached), the upbeat "γΉγγγγ³γ°γ»γΉγγΌγ³" (Stepping Stone), and the poignant "γͺγ³γγ―γ·γ§γ³" (Reconnection). Each track highlights the band's versatility, from swinging big band numbers to intimate solo performances. The album also includes a tribute to the late Herb Pomeroy with "γγΌγγ¬γΌγγ»γͺγγ»γγ₯γΌγ―" (Portrait of Duke).
Ozone's compositional skills shine throughout the album, with intricate arrangements that allow each band member to showcase their individual talents. The album's production quality is top-notch, capturing the energy and spontaneity of a live performance while maintaining the clarity and precision of a studio recording.
"No Name Horses II" is a must-listen for jazz enthusiasts and anyone looking to explore the rich tapestry of modern jazz. Makoto Ozone's visionary leadership and the band's cohesive sound make this album a standout in the genre.
