Aki Takase (piano), Rudi Mahall (bass clarinet), Tobias Delius (tenor saxophone, clarinet), Johannes Fink (double bass), Heinrich Köbberling (drums)
Recorded August 28, 2008 at Willisau Jazz Festival, Switzerland
One thing seems certain: Takase may play Thelonius Monk compositions with David Murray. She may play Eric Dolphy pieces with Rudi Mahall. She may play Ornette Coleman classics with Silke Eberhard. But in all her versatility Takase remains surprisingly original and unique. There is always a subversive power that comes shining through in a radical, sly and invincible manner. 'This music can become stronger the longer and the more intensively musicians have been playing together', says Takase. 'Aki And The Good Boys' is the lucky exception of a 'working band'. Evidently, the city of Berlin with its infrastructure seemingly designed for affordable projects and experiments, is the place where a band like this can happen. And what counts for Takase is the professionality upon doing one's job and the capability of a musician to be an active part of an ensemble. 'My motto for this band is to construct new conjunctions during the act of playing. The trio will then not only 'accompany'. Much rather will it provide a great impulse for both wind players.'