Recorded on November 7, 1971
A Hungarian guitarist with a Japanese pianist (and his rhythm section) making superb jazz for a German label. Welcome to the international sound of jazz in the 1970s!
In 1948, Attila Zoller left his native Hungary for Austria as the Soviet Union tightened their grip on his country. After living in Austria and West Germany, Zoller moved to the U.S. in the 1960s. Listeners who know Zoller's music may recognize him for his sideman work with Don Friedman [Dreams and Explorations (Riverside, 1964); Metamorphosis (Prestige, 1966)] and Herbie Mann [Herbie Mann Live at Newport (Atlantic, 1963); Our Mann Flute (Atlantic, 1966)]. Other listeners may recognize Zoller's Gypsy Cry (Embryo, 1970), featuring Herbie Hancock. If I recall correctly, my first encounter with Zoller's music was Zo-Ko-So (Saba, 1965), a trio collaboration with Zoller, Hans Koller and Martial Solal. (I first sought it out during an extended Martial Solal record-collecting bender several years ago.)
Tokyo-born Masahiko Sato (or, as it's sometimes spelled, Satoh) made A Path Through Haze with Attila Zoller while Sato and his trio were in Germany for the 1971 Berliner Jazztage. During the 1960s, Sato studied at the Berklee School of music for two years and then returned to Japan, releasing his first album, Palladium, on the Japanese Express label in 1969. In more recent years, Sato has become known for his composing and arranging as much as for his playing.
One interesting point: A Path Through Haze wasn't the first recording that these two musicians made together. In 1971, they released Duologue (Express), recorded in Tokyo in June 1970. (I've never heard this rarity.) The duo's connection on A Path Through Haze is tangible; in fact, half of the cuts are duo performances. The music moves fluidly between structure and freer episodes. It pushes the envelope, but never fully moves into the realm of "free jazz." More importantly, both musicians are incredibly accomplished with distinctive voices.
More by Attila Zoller & Masahiko Sato
Along with Gypsy Cry (mentioned above), I would recommend these Zoller records from the 1970s:
- Common Cause (Enja, 1979) with Ron Carter & Joe Chambers
- Trinity (L+R, 1979) with Hans Koller & Roland Hanna
- The K&K 3 in New York (L+R, 1980) with Hans Koller & George Mraz
I'm far less familiar with Sato's discography, although I can recommend his collaboration with Gary Peacock, Masahiko Meets Gary: Samādhi (Express, 1972).
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