VIKTOR/LAWSON (JAPAN) Новости

Yosuke Yamashita, Itaru Oki, Yuji Ohno, and Kimiko Kasai. An astonishing jazz workshop with a never-before-seen encounter. Japanese jazz was so sharp and original.

Yosuke Yamashita Trio, Itaru Oki Trio, Yuji Ohno Trio, and Kimiko Kasai. Three trios and one vocalist, Trio by Trio Plus One. This is a live recording of a jazz workshop held in 1970, and the original was released as part of Victor's "Japanese Jazz" series. Just looking at the lineup of musicians gives off an extraordinary atmosphere, making this a special work.

Yamashita was a leading figure in the scene as the darling of the times. Oki came to Tokyo from Osaka in the mid-1960s and attracted attention. Ohno was a man of supple musicality who played everything from modern jazz to new jazz. And Kasai is just about to blossom. Needless to say, each performance is powerful and fascinating, but this album also features a performance by a unique seven-person group consisting of the Oki Trio, Ohno Trio, and Kasai. This is a two-disc set of super-class that reminds us once again just how original Japanese jazz was.

Text by Yusuke Ogawa (UNIVERSOUNDS / DEEP JAZZ REALITY

"Kiso", "Asama", "Hakuba" and "Hida". He recalls the landscapes of his past and carefully weaves his feelings and emotions into the music. This work is one of the pinnacles that Akira Miyazawa has reached.

This work was released in 1970 as one of Victor's "Japanese Jazz" series. "We are Japanese, so I think we have to create something that only Japanese people can do." These are the words of Akira Miyazawa from this period. When Miyazawa tried to create a work that only Japanese people could do, it was inevitable that he would choose his own origins, the hometown where he was born and raised, as a motif. For Miyazawa, who was born in Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture and loved fishing, "Kiso", "Asama", "Hakuba" and "Hida" are truly landscapes of his past. Takeo Moriyama's raging drums, Yasuo Arakawa's rich bass, Masahiko Sato's overflowing piano, and Miyazawa's saxophone, which is like a mass of emotion. Nostalgia and admiration for the land where he was born and raised, as well as admiration and reverence for Mother Nature. Miyazawa looks to his roots and weaves his thoughts and images into his music with sincerity and care. This album, "Kiso" is the pinnacle that Miyazawa has reached.

Text by Yusuke Ogawa (UNIVERSOUNDS / DEEP JAZZ REALITY)

Adventurous big band jazz featuring such renowned composers and arrangers as Masao Yagi, Kiyoshi Yamaya, Norio Maeda, and Masahiko Sato. This is Sharps & Flats' greatest masterpiece.

Sharps & Flats, led by Nobuo Hara, has led the Japanese big band jazz scene with its diverse activities and outstanding musicality. They have produced many works throughout their long career, but this album, Little Giant, is considered one of their most representative works. The original was released in 1970 as part of Victor's Japanese Jazz series. Of note is the participation of such renowned composers and arrangers as Masao Yagi, Kiyoshi Yamaya, Norio Maeda, and Masahiko Sato.

In addition to the original songs by each member, the album also features a unique arrangement of Oliver Nelson, who has a close relationship with Sharps & Flats. The arrangements are as detailed as they are adventurous, and the performance quality is high enough to make them a reality. The hipness of "Little Giant," the strength of "Dark Horse," the edgyness of "Orbit 8:11," the elegance of "Flexibility"... The dynamic performance with the right amount of tension is captivating. This is a masterpiece that brings out the best of Sharps and Flats' ability and charm.

In 1970, Akira Ishikawa, central to the jazz rock scene, embraced the chaos of the times and challenged himself with this ambitious work, pushing the boundaries of jazz. "Electrum" represents the pinnacle of Ishikawa's exploration into the genre, characterized by its intense and precise groove, where musicians compete to reach new heights.

This album includes standout tracks such as the storm-like "Electrum," the intricately layered "Revulsion," and the serene "Speak Under My Breath," evoking the clarity of dawn. The participation of two genius pianists, composers, and arrangers, Masahiko Sato and Hiromasa Suzuki, further enhances this dense and exhilarating work.

Regarded as one of Akira Ishikawa's masterpieces, "Electrum" is a significant revival within the Victor "Japanese Jazz" series.

A masterpiece by George and Sleepy with the new Big Four! A veteran talks about the fun of "those days" and the fun of "now". Jazz is so fascinating!

1950s. The Big Four led by George Kawaguchi gained overwhelming popularity as a pioneering group of modern jazz in Japan. They were active for a long time with changing members and left a big mark on the Japanese jazz scene. This work "George & Sleepy" was released in 1969 as one of Victor's "Japanese Jazz" series. The commentary at the time said "A record that attempts to reproduce the nostalgic George Kawaguchi Big Four", but that is by no means a simple nostalgic work. "Lover" and "Charade" are reminiscent of the Big Four of those days and are undoubtedly fun, and the songs that skillfully incorporate modern techniques and musicality, such as the sophisticated groove of "Tuesday Samba" and the exotic beat of "Vietnam", are also attractive. This is a thrilling piece that conveys the charm of jazz, past and present, with a deep performance that only a veteran can have.

Fresh rhythms. Gorgeous melodies. A powerful yet full touch that pleasantly stirs the emotions of the listener. The origins of the great pianist Masaru Imada are here.

Masaru Imada has been active as a professional since the 1950s and now has a career spanning 70 years. He has been at the forefront of music from hard bop to fusion, and has released over 30 titles as a leader. He is one of Japan's leading pianists in both name and reality. His powerful yet full touch creates a sound that pleasantly stirs the emotions of the listener. His first album, "Maki," can be said to be the origin of this. The performances by the trio or one horn quartet are so fresh and beautiful. The carefully woven "Autumn Leaves," the dynamic "On Green Dolphin Street," the ambitious "Gad," the ballad "Maki" dedicated to his beloved daughter, and the hot and cool "Sea Horse."

From standards to originals, his talent is fully displayed throughout the album. Released as part of the Victor "Japanese Jazz" series, this is an undoubted masterpiece. - Yusuke Ogawa (UNIVERSOUNDS / DEEP JAZZ REALITY)