What we wrote at the time…

Staring out from the cover of his latest release on Japan’s PSF records, knife clenched between teeth and an unhinged maniacal glint in his eyes, Masayoshi Urabe’s zealous intent is pretty clear. Perhaps his generation’s prime sax terrorist, in contrast to legendary Japanese altoist, Karou Abe, Urabe opts for a dual attack quite different from his most revered forbearer; you’ll find no circular breathing or iron-lung blasts emanating from his horn. Rather Urabe favours tormented and drawn-out high-pitched yelps and drones, all interleaved with periods of torpid silence. Even on CD it makes for an atmosphere of sharp, sinister focus and frightening heaviness; in the flesh it’s a whole other, terrifying challenge. Batten down the hatches for a truly unique performer of intensity and power. This is only Urabe’s second show in the UK.