★Rings
Air
Masabumi Kikuchi's groundbreaking album Air, originally released in the 80s, is set to be reissued, offering both new listeners and longtime fans an opportunity to delve into the avant-garde soundscapes that transformed the jazz genre. This remastered edition not only preserves Kikuchi's original sonic vision but also features additional tracks that further highlight his innovative approach to composition and collaboration.
The world's music scene has been abuzz with the re-release of Air, a pro…
Wind
Celebrated jazz pianist and composer Masabumi Kikuchi returns with his latest album, "Wind," an evocative journey that intertwines technical mastery with deep emotional resonance. Released under the prestigious East Wind label, this album is set to redefine the landscape of contemporary jazz. With "Wind," Kikuchi showcases his unparalleled ability to blend traditional jazz elements with innovative modern sounds, offering listeners a unique auditory experience. The album comprises intricate compo…
Fire
Celebrated jazz pianist Masabumi Kikuchi returns to the forefront of the music scene with the re-release of his iconic work, "Fire," set to captivate audiences starting March 25, 2026. Originally crafted during an era of profound experimentation, this masterpiece represents a crucial intersection of jazz and electronic soundscapes. "Fire" showcases Kikuchi's unparalleled ability in merging traditional jazz influences with avant-garde electronic elements, captivating listeners through its intrica…
Water
Water is a stunning showcase of Kikuchi’s pioneering spirit and profound artistry. The album features tracks such as "Moon Splash," "Spectrum," "Aurola," "Blue Spring," and "Water Song," which embody a seamless fusion of ambient soundscapes and intricate jazz arrangements. Each track immerses the listener in a world of sonic fluidity, reflecting the essence of water itself: ever-changing, adaptable, and deeply resonant. Recorded between 1984 and 1986 at Cracker-Jap Studio in New York City, Water…
Mind
For over six decades, Masabumi Kikuchi has been a pivotal figure in the jazz world, merging traditional elements with innovative electronic sounds. “Mind” is a resurrection of his earlier work initially branded under "Six Elements = Earth, Water, Fire, Wind, and Mind," which has been meticulously remastered by the acclaimed Taylor Deupree. Kikuchi's music has always been a light of will amid the chaos of life, capturing reflections of the emotional landscapes and the lightly sketched contours of…
Earth
Renowned jazz pianist and composer Masabumi Kikuchi is set to captivate audiences with his latest album, “Japanesque: Six Elements .” This innovative work, the first in a six-part series, intricately weaves traditional Japanese musical themes with contemporary jazz elements, inviting listeners on a transformative auditory journey. Drawing inspiration from the elemental forces of nature, Earth embodies the serene yet powerful essence of the natural world. Kikuchi, celebrated for his unique approa…
Fragment
In 1975, the lead album "Fragment" by the acclaimed UK jazz pianist John Taylor, which was previously only released on cassette tape and hailed as a gem of UK jazz.
Sam Gendel & Shin Sasakubo
Also known as the leader of the jazz trio Inga, Sam Gendel is an L.A. saxophonist who has developed a free and unique sound that has been described as psychedelic, outsider, and meditative, and Shin Sasakubo is a Chichibu-based guitarist. A new album by the duo of Sam Gendel, an up-and-coming saxophonist from LA, and Shin Sasakubo, an uncanny guitarist based in Chichibu, who is also active as a photographer and contemporary artist. The two showed great chemistry in Shin Sasakubo's previous work …