Akira Sakata & Chikamorachi with Masahiko Satoh Proton Pump

Proton Pump is a milestone achievement in the winding career of alto saxophonist,
gibberish shrieker and jazz legend Akira Sakata. It's a lightning-fast, real-time cut-up
of melody and bare-knuckle action that swings between the avant garde and
hardcore be-bop. Sakata is backed by his famed rhythm crew Chikamorachi --
drummer Chris Corsano and acoustic bassist Darin Gray -- and joined by
composer and pianist Masahiko Satoh. Sakata and Satoh emerged out of the late-
1960s Tokyo jazz scene -- Satoh already releasing albums and Sakata soon joining
the famed The Yamashita Trio -- and while they've since become uncompromising
pillars of free music and vision this marks their first proper album together. On
Proton Pump's four pieces, Sakata is on absolute top form on alto saxophone and
clarinet -- blowing bold melodies with unstoppable momentum and also injecting
deep textural fields with his startling vocalizations. Satoh's piano is hyperbolic
throughout as he splatters counter points and brilliant tones at dizzying speed.
Recorded before a jaw-dropped audience at Pit Inn, Tokyo in November 2015.