Tomoko Omura - Visions (2008)

Tomoko Omura's Visions is a fine example of jazz violin for those who want to explore beyond the Grappelli genre. Omura is a strong improviser: snappy phrasing, harmonic scope and a willingness to open out run through the music, whether it it post-bop or fusion-tinged. At the same time, the sound is unforced, understated but not limp, clean but not prissy. Bassist Dan Carpel is no less laid-back, while the drums provide drive in the more up-tempo numbers. The overall effect is a fresh group sound that mixes a contemporary feel and established jazz idioms with considerable success. For the violin, this is a rarity.