安ヵ川 × 西山デュオ、再び。前作『El Cant～』での空間を意識した演奏と比較すると、今作はより具象的かつ物語的で、はっきりとしたメロディを持っているのが特徴と言えます。そもそも極上の甘みと艶を持った音が両者の共通点ですが、内面から溢れ迸る主張が美しく芳醇な香りを放つ音楽へと結実した、という印象が強いのも本作を楽しむ上で重要です。（言われなければ絶対に気付かないほど）アイルランド民謡と東北民謡が自然に同居できる寛容さを持った構成のバランスも絶妙。エレガンスさと儚さにおいて、他者には追随できるはずもない孤高の存在感を持った逸品です。
[English Translation]
Daiki Yasukagawa (bass) & Hitomi Nishiyama (piano)’s Down By The Salley Gardens
The Yasukagawa (jazz bassist) x Nishiyama (jazz pianist) duo are back. Compared to the previous release El Cant Dels Ocells of which the performance was more space-conscious, this latest album exhibits a more objective and narrative characteristic with a much more resounding melody. The two artists primarily share the commonality of playing sounds of exquisite sweetness and gloss, but in order to enjoy this new album even further, it is worth noting that the album lets out an impression that the outpouring assertions from within have successfully borne fruit as beautiful and aromatic music. (Probably going without being noticed unless specifically pointed out,) the generous constructive balance that enables Irish folk music and Japanese Tohoku folk to coexist naturally is also superb. A hallmark piece with solitary presence that, in terms of elegance and fragility, absolutely no other can possibly keep pace with.
