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MONOLOGUE

$20.00

SKU AIR109 Category Tags ,

A woman’s voice should and will be heard, and Mai Sugimoto creates such a space, in the midst of white chauvinism and anti-Asian resentment, for her monologue, the saxophonist’s sophomore album and first solo effort (Asian Improv Records, 2021). Indeed, Sugimoto’s sound is as naked as ever on what she describes as a visceral response to our troubling times. Recorded in Chicago’s Loop in November 2020, Sugimoto resonates through the studio—and, one imagines, the empty streets—and over the faint roars of the El train. This is ferocity and finesse, and she buoys every note with her abiding sense of humor, exploring sounds and textures with an alto saxophone, flute, percussion, and toys—sometimes simultaneously. Sugimoto’s record reflects what she has felt through the pandemic—mourning, fear, joy, anger, gratitude—to create this monologue: an unmasking, a leap of faith, an I’m speaking, a one-woman show.

 

Additional information

Artist

Year

2021

Catalog #

AIR109

Tracklist

1 monologue 9:04
2 shell ghosts 2:49
3 missing drummer 2:33
4 Ab 1:42
5 squeamish 2:43
6 furue 3:44
7 choking hazard 2:22
8 hysteria 1:49
9 mating dance 3:22
10 migratory season 4:37
11 sabi 2:52
12 so trill 3:56
13 niji masu 2:42
14 corridor 2:00

Credits

executive producer: TATSU AOKI
associate producer: MAI SUGIMOTO
recorded on: NOVEMBER 22 & 29, 2020 at FAB MUSIC STUDIO, CHICAGO
mixing & mastering: CALEB WILLITZ
photography: KIOTO AOKI (cover, back cover, disc) MAI SUGIMOTO (inside panels)
graphic design: MAI SUGIMOTO