Music Review: 'Live at the Village Vanguard' (2013) Pianist Onishi, 27, is a fleet and fearless improviser, a genuine jazz musician who can rethink a classic like Berlin's "Blue Skies" or toss off… Tom Harrell Junko Onishi Jazz
EW's GRADE
A-

Details Lead Performances: Tom Harrell and Junko Onishi; Genre: Jazz

Pianist Onishi, 27, is a fleet and fearless improviser, a genuine jazz musician who can rethink a classic like Berlin's ''Blue Skies'' or toss off gorgeous instant melodies. On her second American album, she benefits from the great rhythm section of ex-Wynton Marsalis drummer Herlin Riley and bassist Reginald Veal. Onishi's one flaw: occasional muddy sound. B+

Originally posted May 12, 1995 Published in issue #274 May 12, 1995 Order article reprints