★Solid Records
Splashes (Tribute To Wilbur Little)
Bluesy, aggressive, typically expressive. Splashes (subtitled Tribute to Wilbur Little) is an album by saxophonist Archie Shepp's Quartet which was recorded in Holland in 1987 and released on the L+R label. With Horace Parlan (p), Harry Emmery (b), a…
The Fifth Of May
Archie Shepp, a saxophone tenor icon, collaborates with keyboardist Jasper Van't Hof - of Toto Blanke's Electric Circus (it was while with Blanke that van't Hof co-founded a group called Association P.C.)in a creatively innovative record. Jasper inc…
In Memory Of
Trumpet superstar Chet Baker recorded a session with Archie Shepp in 1988, an unexpected collaboration given their different styles. At the time of the event, Shepp had adopted a more traditional approach, yet still retained an appreciation for the c…
Reunion
This lovely session from the 1980s features saxophonist Archie Shepp and pianist Horace Parlan, who both initially recorded in the United States but eventually discovered a more accommodating environment in Europe (they crossed paths many times while…
Dream Talk
German pianist Wolfgang Dauner's early session sounds as fantastic as the title suggests! The "dream talk" component comes from Dauner's gentle, yet modern approach to the keys, which is clearly learning from 50s modernists like George Russell or Bil…
Cool Dogs & Two Oranges
An incredible early German bop session! In the 1950s, pianist Jutta Hipp recorded straighter sides for Blue Note in the US, but this first album features her with German contemporaries Joki Freund on tenor sax and Emil Mangelsdorff on alto, creating …
Yogi Jazz
*2023 repress* Tremendous early work from German saxophonist Joki Freund a player who would go onto much greater fame in the progressive years at the end of the 60s, but who already sounds plenty darn great on this early combo side from 1963! The sty…
Voices
"Manfred Schoof grew up perfecting his innovative jazz style, often practicing on either his jazz trumpet or his flügelhorn. By the time he reached high school, Schoof was composing his own arrangements. In 1955, Schoof decided to purse a musical car…
Tension
This rare 1963 recording showcases the incredible early work of German trombonist Albert Mangelsdorff and his quintet. Featuring Heinz Sauer on tenor saxophone, Gunter Kronberg on alto saxophone, Gunter Lenz on bass, and Ralf Hubner on drums, the ens…
Now Jazz Ramwong
Eastern-infused outstanding album by German trombonist Albert Mangelsdorff – recording here in 1964, but sounding years ahead of his time, with an amazing a blend of jazz and Asian styles! The album's one of Mangelsdorff's best ever – a set of rhythm…
Clay
*Limited Edition* Delve into the mesmerizing trio work of Japanese pianist Yosuke Yamashita, accompanied by the exceptional reed performances of Akira Sakata. This collaboration, a highlight in 70s Japanese jazz, epitomizes a robust avant-garde impul…
Ecstasy of the Angels
*Limited Edition* Soundtrack to Koji Wakamatsu's 1972 pink film "Ecstasy of the Angels". Japanese pianist Yosuke Yamashita formed a bass-less trio in 1969 with drummer Takeo Moriyama and tenorist Seiichi Nakamura. Yamashita's Bill Evans-influenced s…
Jodo
*2023 stock* Takehiro Honda joins forces with Reggie Workman on bass and Motohiko Hino on drums in this outstanding trio session. The album showcases a freer side of Honda, exploring open and lyrical modes that were gaining prominence in Japan during…
Legend Of The Sea-Myself
*Limited Edition* Pianist Takashi Kako brings a uniquely subtle and poetic approach to his instrument in this improvised music setting. Supported by a talented quartet featuring Keiki Midorikawa, Masahiko Togashi, and Masami Nakagawa, Kako paints in …
What's Going On
*2023 stock* The impossibly cool 1973 album What's Going On from Late, Great Japanese Funk & Jazz Don Takehiro Honda which swings through jazz orchestral renditions of American R&B and Funk Classics like Marvin Gaye's "What's Going On, "Otis Redding'…
Inner Space
*2023 stock* "Japanese pianist Yosuke Yamashita built his name as one of the country's avant-garde jazz leader with his bass-less trio founded still in 1969 (with drummer Takeo Moriyama and tenorist Seiichi Nakamura, in 1973 Nakamura has been changed…
Farewell My Johnny
*2023 stock* The first album by the Teru Sakamoto Trio, whose beautifully lyrical piano music has enjoyed exceptionally long sales. This is a new standard work of Japanese jazz that is highly acclaimed even overseas.
Evolution
*2024 stock* "This release Shintaro Quintet’s private press release ‘Evolution’. It’s another well-chosen release that comes with superb packaging, high sound quality and some interesting sleeve notes which give a fascinating in-depth insight into th…
Enraku's Playboy Chapter 12 - The Playboy's Manual
*Limited Edition* This late '60s Japanese "Playboy Manual" features a sexy cover and a unique format. Each track begins with Japanese spoken segments from Norio Maeda, possibly on seduction, followed by groovy instrumental music. The blend of jazz an…
Jazz A Maison De Japon, Paris
*Limited Edition* Embark on a wonderful French journey with the Japanese duo of saxophonist Mototeru Takagi and pianist Takashi Kako, accompanied by the exceptional Kent Carter on bass and cello, along with Ron Pittner on drums and percussion. This p…