Set us all free. The world-class first release from the new Irish label Red Hook comprises six solo performances and is the final studio recording by the Japanese pianist Masabumi Kikuchi (1939-2015). One of Kikuchi's best known compositions 'Little Abi' is on this remarkable New York-recorded release and is very beautiful. Thoroughly inspiring especially 'Improvisation' most of all there is such intimacy, pure gestalt, concision, succinctness and sense of space delineated at all times. It is humbling to listen and feel the music's presence towards satori surrounded by a vast, enveloping feeling of serenity. Let it be. Out today on Red Hook. Masabumi Kikuchi, top. Photo: Tae Cimarosti