Etudes | Takeo Toyama

My review of Takeo Toyama’s Etudes ran today in the Boston Phoenix.

An enjoyable if unfocused set of movements blending classical, jazz, electronic music, and Latin accents, Etudes is a pleasant set of experiments that seems unconcerned about plotting a coherent theme as an album. It matters little, however; the individual songs and short arcs are compelling enough to hold the interest. Toyama is willing to try synthesizing a variety of influences and ideas, and the spark of creative adventurousness can be intoxicating.