About the Recording
In 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Tomo was forced to temporarily return to his hometown of Fukuoka, Japan, from his base in New York. During this period, he worked on creating music with local musicians and developed these compositions through performances on domestic tours.
After returning to New York in 2022, Tomo collaborated with his close musical friends, including trumpeter Benny Benack III, to fine-tune each track, leading to the creation of this album. He explored the expressive potential of the classic jazz style, bebop, and handled all aspects of the album himself, including performance, composition, string arrangements, and production. Additionally, internationally highly regarded percussionist Keita Ogawa, known for his work with the Grammy Award-winning band Snarky Puppy, contributed to the album. The title track, “Prana,” meaning energy or life force, highlights Tomo's vibrant work, influenced by his experiences in Japan and New York over the past few years. The album cover design is inspired by the idea of an “invincible raccoon, scarred but empowered by the pandemic, defeating enemies (the virus and its effects) and forging a new future.” You will not want to miss Tomohiro Mori's future activities, which reflect the strength he has gained through overcoming the pandemic. |
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