★Octave Lab
Journey To Air
*Limited Edition* Trumpeter Terumasa Hino at a level that's quite different than most of his early work in Japan recording in New York, and using a very spiritual approach one that's clearly influenced by some of the other players in the session! The album features one long track a bit improvised, and almost free at times but also given a strong sense of direction, too that balance between completely unbridled expression and structure that can make some of the best spiritual jazz sessions so gre…
Paris Days
*Limited Edition* In the early 1970s, while studying contemporary music composition in Paris, Takashi Kako discovered and fell in love with free jazz, and soon became active as a pianist there. He performed with Bob Reed, Noah Howard, Motoki Takagi, and Yoshisaburo Toyozumi, and his name quickly spread around the world. This work was recorded in Paris together with his allies. The unparalleled sound of reason and passion depicts his days in Paris. Originally released in 1977. Supervision and com…
Shudan Seikatsu
*Limited Edition* Shoyuki Akedagawa is not only a pianist, but also an ocarina player, guitarist, and eventually a vocalist. Comical yet emotional. Melancholy in his humor. This is a masterpiece that explodes with Akutagawa's talent. Nakamura Masco gradually reveals his true nature, Umezu Kazutoki bursts out with his unique phrases without pause, and Miyasaka Takashi and Saito Makoto create dynamism like a big wave. All blend together to form a vortex that opens the door to the incomparable worl…
Aketa's Erotical Piano Solo & Grotesque Piano Trio
*Limited Edition* Pianist Shoji Aketagawa, the creative force behind the consistently unconventional Aketa's Disc label, presents an album with an unusual title that aligns with the label's distinctiveness. The material, while not explicitly erotic or grotesque, showcases Shoji's beautiful and robust notes on several solo tracks. The album takes a unique turn as Shoji collaborates with the trio on the final tune, offering a quality unlike any other artist we can think of. The piano, possessing t…
Flying To The Sky
*2023 stock* Collaboration between Japanese pianist Takehiro Honda and German saxophonist Gerd Dudek. Recorded March 1, 1971
Live!
*Limited Edition* Immerse yourself in the charm of a Japanese piano trio session, elevated by the rhythmic enchantment of conga player Yohichi Ogawa. The trio, featuring Kunihiko Sugano on piano, Eizoh Honda on bass, and Teruhiko Takada on drums, takes on a sweet and dynamic quality. Ogawa's conga rhythms add a distinctive flair, injecting energy into Sugano's music—a blend of lyrical imagination, gentle swing, and freewheeling vitality. With extended tracks this session is a delightful explorat…
Solo
*Limited Edition* Pianist Kunihiko Sugano unveils a collection of solo pieces, featuring shorter tracks than his trio albums of the time but brimming with emotion. Sugano's gentle and expansive piano touch, reminiscent of Bill Evans, is complemented by a unique phrasing that suggests an approach to the acoustic instrument akin to an electric one. The notes unfold with a measured attack and a lingering sustain. Sugano's distinctive style shines here offering a beautiful and individual musical jou…
The Days Of Wine And Roses
*Limited Edition* Pianist Kunihiko Sugano shines in this early album, captured in a relaxed live setting at a small Japanese club. With a conga added to his usual trio, Sugano introduces each number with introspective lyricism before the trio kicks in, showcasing majestic and soulful solos. A classic in the 70s Japanese piano style, the ensemble includes Izao Suzuki on bass, Shinji Mori on drums, and Yoichi Ogawa on congas.
Totsugeki Kamikaze Tokkotai
*Limited Edition* Delve into the intensity of saxophonist Kazumi Odagiri's rare trio session on Aketa's Disk label. Odagiri's fiery solos, accompanied by bassist Koichi Yamazaki and drummer Kenichi Kaneyama, create a dynamic interplay. Tracks include a vibrant take on Freddie Hubbard's "Intrepid Fox," as well as interpretations of "Invitation," "Striped Slacks," and "When Sunny Gets Blue." This searing session epitomizes the label's rare and freewheeling spirit.
Smile
*Limited Edition* Hiroshi Hatsuyama's presence is invaluable in Japan's jazz vibraphone scene. His ability is evident in his achievements alone, as he has brilliantly colored the works of musicians such as Shoyuki Akutagawa, Koichi Matsukaze, Yoriyuki Harada, and Fumio Itabashi, all of whom have been difficult to dislodge from the scene. This is his first album. This is his first album, and it is a delightful work, sometimes bluesy, sometimes swingy, and filled with beautiful sounds. The "melanc…
Summer Samba
Hiro Tsunoda began his career as a jazz drummer in the mid-1960s, studying under Masahiko Togashi and playing professionally in the groups of Masahiko Sato and Sadao Watanabe. In the mid-1970s, Tatsunoda played back-up for Maki Asakawa at Aketa's and hit it off with Shoyuki Akutagawa, with whom he had a series of sessions. This album is excerpted from the recordings made during this period. As Tsunoda says, "It is not unusual for one song to last 30 to 50 minutes," and the performance is thoroug…
Four Wings
The members of the Hidehiko Matsumoto Quartet, a famous combo from the 1960s, reunited for one night only. Their performance was on a grand scale, as if they were flapping their wings on four different wings, including the groovy "Speak Low" and the swinging "Four Wings".
A Child In The Wind
Fumio Karashima, who was active in Jazz Machine led by Elvin Jones, recorded this work in 1981 when he returned to Japan. The trio is led by George Otsuka, the drummer who gave Kashima his breakthrough, and Richard Davis, the famous bassist from Chicago, and their performance is the most attractive of all. Kashima's piano is vivid and fresh, like a fish moving in a large current.
Live In Masuda
Seikatsu Kōjyō Iinkai (Committee for the Improvement of Life) began its activities in the early 1970s, led by Kazutoki Umezu and Yoshiyuki Harada. Many musicians came and went and engaged in multifaceted activities, but one of the pillars was the so-called Life Improvement Committee (Matsugumi), centered on Koichi Shofaze. This work, recorded live in Masuda City, Shimane Prefecture, is the only work left by Matsugumi with the same members. The saxophone cuts like a knife into the solid trio's pe…
Chiko
The Japanese jazz cult work is one of the most popular Japanese jazz collectors around the world, including Tetsu Aizawa quartet and Yukasasasa Hino, and the original Jazz Rality series has been released as the world's first CD. As a musician, the prestigious Independent Jazz Label and Acetaz's Disc was reissued in the early 23 works of the famous Tokyo independent Jazz Label, and Acetaz's Disc. 11 of the 12 pieces released as the first release was released in the world for the first CD. These c…
Peace And Love
Japan import. Recorded on 29 September and 1 October, 1970 at TSC Japan. Comes in gatefold LP. Reissued for the first time. Reissued for the first time. Rare and rich contents from 1970s Japanese jazz which is now gathering global attention, originally released on Terumasa Hino's private label Love Records and distributed by a Japanese major label. Representing "Ode To Workman" from J Jazz : Deep Modern Jazz From Japan 1969-1984 released on BBE, in his session with local NY musicians, Peace And …