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Release Date: 24 October 2025
Label: Yellowbird
Packaging Type: Digipak
No of Units: 1
Barcode: 767522784626
Genres: Jazz
Description
With 'Lonely Island', Swiss-Polish-Japanese musician Yumi Ito releases her first solo album - and simultaneously her most personal work to date. Reduced to voice and piano, two instruments that have accompanied her since childhood, the result is an intimate sonic portrait. Improvisation is at the heart of both instruments.
As a classically trained pianist who grew up with the Suzuki method, Yumi Ito draws on a lifetime of aural learning. Ten pieces that have accompanied Ito over the years, and that she would take with her to a desert island, appear in a new light on "Lonely Island" - songs like "What Seems To Be," "Old Redwood Tree," and "Stardust Crystals," condensed and reduced to their essentials. What remains is pure essence: music full of warmth, depth, and honesty. "I wanted to make an album that felt like a house concert." It's as if you were sitting in the room with me - honest, vulnerable, pure." Yumi Ito The voice is more mature and nuanced than ever, meeting a narrative piano playing that doesn't accompany, but rather contributes to the overall composition. "Old Redwood Tree" plays with meditative 13/8 ostinatos and impressionistic chords, while "Tiki Taka" introduces Brazilian elements. In the new version of "What Seems to Be," Ito also takes on the solo role of the former saxophone, or, on other pieces, transforms earlier harp and guitar parts into new soundscapes via the piano. A playful and virtuoso change of perspective. At times, the sound sounds like Debussy or Ravel, then it's reminiscent of Norah Jones, Fiona Apple, or Tori Amos. And film music vibes a la Olafur Arnalds repeatedly flash up. The music shimmers, shimmers, whispers. And it makes you forget that everything was recorded live by a single person.
"Lonely Island" was recorded by Lara Persia at the Lemura Studio in Montagnola (Ticino, Switzerland), nestled in nature. Almost exclusively FLINTA people were involved in the artistic process, from music production to design. The solo record is thus also a symbol of visibility and solidarity. "I believe that everyone can understand the language of improvisation - regardless of origin, gender, or reality." Yumi Ito "Lonely Island" closes a circle and simultaneously marks a new beginning. The record is both a retreat and an opening towards new paths and new voices.
Tracklisting
Marc Ribot's Ceramic Dog
Oded Tzur
Samuel Blaser
Trio Elf
Jun Miyake
Ron Miles
Marc Ribot's Ceramic Dog
JISR
Yumi Ito
