Jazz & Improvisation / Contemporary

*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…

I travelled to Los Angeles and the USA for the first time in 2019. Although I had not met Carlos Niño in person, we connected via Instagram where he saw a video of me playing a piano motif (titled ‘The One’ in this sequence) that he really liked and expressed a wish to record. This was around 2017. We tried a few times to get me over to Los Angeles, but the timing was always off. Through a performance organised by a creative collective called The Nonsemble at The Ford Theatre we finally got the…

Svaneborg Kardyb are Nikolaj Svaneborg – Wurlitzer, Juno, piano and Jonas Kardyb – drums, percussion a multi award winning duo from Denmark, with a fast-rising international reputation and with an NPR Tiny Desk concert – number one on many artist’s wish lists - in the bag before even the release of their Gondwana Records debut album Over Tage last November. Their beautiful, exquisite compositions draw on Danish folk music and Scandinavian jazz influences, resulting in a joyful melding of beautif…

*Limited Edition* This trio, led by drummer Motohiko Hino and featuring Masahiko Satoh on piano and Nobuyoshi Ino on bass, delivers truly unique work that transcends the typical piano trio conventions of its time. The trio breaks open the format with their creative exploration on the album. Satoh's piano work initially leans towards lyricism before expanding, while Ino's bass rolls and dips with its own beautiful sense of melody. Hino's drumming diverges far from a straight rhythm, often adding …

*Limited Edition* This Japanese trio session from the 70s is precisely the kind of record that has us exploring this era so fervently. Filled with warm, soulful sounds, inventive changes, and engaging rhythms, the album maintains a subtle funk undercurrent without overpowering the best lyrical lines of pianist Kichiro Sugino. The trio, featuring Kishio Kitahara on bass and Mitsaki Katayama on drums, is perfectly synchronized, soaring elegantly throughout the record, living up to the "flight" in …

*Limited Edition* Japanese guitarist Masayuki Takayanagi's performance in this set is bold and powerful, not entirely "angry" but striking nonetheless. His sharp-edged guitar work, reminiscent of Sonny Sharrock's experiments, avoids noise for its own sake. Balanced by Nobuyoshi Ino on bass and Hiroshi Yamazaki on percussion/drums, the trio creates a freer, fuzzier take on older guitar modes. The album's titles, numbered variations of the album's name, include four selections.

*Limited Edition* Percussionist Masahiko Togashi collaborates with the exceptional piano accompaniment of Takashi Kako in a unique and captivating musical journey. Kako's piano work, marked by a distinctive sense of touch and tone, complements Togashi's drumming. Kako's ability to extract guitar-like sounds from the piano, characterized by an airy chromatic quality, adds a warm and poetic dimension to the moments of freer improvisation on the record. While the music remains rooted in free jazz, …

*Limited Edition* Harold Land shines in this fantastic, rare Japanese album, possibly surpassing his '70s work. Pianist Makoto Tarashita leads with a strong, spiritual, and modal style, setting Land free on vibrant, imaginative solos. The ensemble, including bassist Yasushi Yoneki, drummer Mike Reznikoff, and percussionist Takayuki Koizumi, adds an organic and rhythmic richness.

*Limited Edition* In this early 80s trio collaboration, Japanese pianist Kunihiko Sugano teams up with the legendary American drummer Jo Jones, resulting in a pleasingly traditional vibe. Sugano opts for the acoustic piano, and the album features laid-back tracks adorned with lyrical nuances. Kunihiko delivers soulful and warm solos, subtly propelled by Jo Jones' drumming expertise, while receiving solid backing from bassist Kunimitsu Inaba. The album's lengthier tracks showcase a delightful fus…

*Limited Edition* Dive into the groovy sounds of pianist Kunihiko Sugano with this album, where he skillfully maneuvers the Fender Rhodes to produce a blend of sharpness reminiscent of an acoustic piano. The bossa nova flavor promised in the title is delivered with a post-bossa twist, akin to the bossa jazz trio style of the 60s but updated. Think of it as a 70s take on the genre, akin to the works of Tamba Trio and Milton Banana but arguably even better. Sugano's dynamic approach is complemente…

*Limited Edition* Album released in 1977 by Japanese jazz pianist Kunihiko Sugano, who started playing in a trio with Isao Suzuki and George Otsuka in the early 1960s and recorded the classic album Blow Up with the aforementioned two and Takashi Mizuhashi on Three Blind Mice in 1973. Recorded live in Date City, Hokkaido in 1976 as a trio with Osamu Kawakami and Hiroshi Murakami. The air from the venue was recorded to give a realistic impression, and standard numbers such as Luiz Bomfa's A1, whic…

*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.

*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.

Immerse yourself in the musical brilliance of percussionist Yoshisaburo "Sabu" Toyozumi's trio, featuring Mototeru Takagi on reeds and Takashi Tokuhiro on bass. The two extended improvisations on this album unfold with a delicate and quiet start, with each musician exploring small, almost private sonic spaces. Gradually, the trio builds into full interaction, leading the improvisations into fantastic directions. The careful and quiet beginnings create ample room for the music to blossom and take…

*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…

Delight in Hiroshi Fukumura's live brilliance, where his unusual approach to the instrument shines. This quartet, featuring Hiroshi Tamura on piano, Tsutomu Okada on bass, and Shinji Mori on drums, delivers open, flowing tracks reminiscent of Japanese piano trios. Fukumura's solos, crafted like trumpet lines, boast a gritty yet lyrical power, this live session captures the essence of Fukumura's unique artistry and musical strides.

Helen Merrill's masterpiece, featuring arrangements by the genius Masahiko Sato, who adds new pop tunes to jazz standards. The album is composed of a very well-balanced selection of jazz standards, including Barbra Streisand's "Reminiscence," Paul McCartney's "Love in Song," and "I Remember Clifford," dedicated to Helen's golden partner, Clifford Brown.

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…

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".

This is Masaaki Kikuchi's first produced work. This is a spiritual masterpiece with a floating feeling produced with superb ECM members, including the title track with its primitive rhythm and Kikuchi's pleasant electric piano.

Fumio Kashima, a famous pianist loved by Elvin Jones and Otsuka George. This is a third album with a trio of George Murats and Motohiko Hino, which shows more vivid and lively play. Rich in colors including the comfortable explosive Landscape, refreshing Revlis and the beautiful ballad "The Fall" You can also enjoy the original Karajima songs and songs.

Elegant, but also incredibly powerful work from Fumio Karashima, exactly the kind of record that shows why he's one of our favorite Japanese jazz talents ever!

Recorded over two days at the Sound Inn Studio, Tokyo in 1983. Fumio Karashima’s Round Midnight is a solid straight ahead session featuring the esteemed pianist at his prime. Featuring Ikuo Sakurai on bass, Motohiko Hino on drums and guest jazz-fusion guitarist Larry Coryell on Side B of the LP. Post bop, cool jazz with a touch of Latin-fusion courtesy of Coryell. Perfect listening for anyone looking for a well-rounded session of classic jazz standards. Fumio Karashima, born March 9, 1948 in Oit…

A 1978 piece composed by pianist Fumio Karashima with legendary drummer Elvin Jones. The trio with bassist Andy MacLeod will feature original songs and standards, including the title track. This is the work that gave Karashima an opportunity to become active on the world stage.

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.

This is the fifth album by Fumio Kashima, who became a world-famous pianist after his encounter with Elvin Jones. The edgy groove of "American Tango" and "Merry-Go-Round" are very strong, and the colorful sound with power and volume, which sets it apart from ordinary fusion music, is very appealing.

Fumio Kashima, a famous pianist loved by Elvin Jones and Otsuka George. This first album was recreated by the trio of Suzuki Ino, Jimmy Hops. It has also been the first Japanese work of Whynot label, and it has a strong presence. A variety of famous songs and performances, such as Piranha and melancholic stormy "Little Island" are overflowing with vibrants.

Norwegian drummer/composer Gard Nilssen debuts on We Jazz Records with his major new album “Family” with the 17-piece Supersonic Orchestra. A veritable who’s who of Scandinavian jazz (and beyond), the Supersonic Orchestra is one of the most exciting large groups in the current international jazz circuit. Captured at Mondriaan Jazz Festival in Den Haag, Netherlands, “Family” presents the ensemble in top form across the 8 tracks, all of which are original compositions by Gard Nilssen and André Rol…

Berlin-based Swedish bassist and producer Petter Eldh returns with a new Koma Saxo album Post Koma, out on We Jazz Records, 10 November. The title Post Koma aptly describes the vibe of this one: The Koma Saxo sound continues its evolution, morphing into a holistic vision of jazz now and soon, where live instrumentation and repurposed sampling lose their boundaries. Over the course of its three iterations (self-titled debut in 2019, LIVE in 2020, Koma West in 2022) Koma Saxo has sounded at times …

Tip! A radiant manifesto of artistic freedom, fLuXkit Vancouver (i̶t̶s suite but sacred) brings together a composition in four movements written and performed by Jones on alto saxophone, long-time collaborator Gerald Cleaver on drums, and four Vancouver-based string musicians: violinists Jesse Zubot and Josh Zubot, cellist Peggy Lee and bassist James Meger; with original artwork by Stan Douglas and liner notes by poet Harmony Holiday. Commissioned by Western Front, an artist-run center for multi…

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.

In contrast to their previous work "Impact", which had a large ensemble, they welcomed Kazutoki Umezu as a guest and performed a relaxed performance with a small ensemble. A masterpiece released in 1986, which he himself admits was a really good one, with an effortless performance (from the LP liner). What shines is the trio composition of "Alicante" and "Don't Say Goodbye," a masterpiece that allows you to enjoy Itabashi's singing spirit. "Don't ~" can be said to be an answer song to the popula…

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…

This is a 2022 trio recording where the unique Kresten Osgood meets the two living legends: Bob Moses and Tisziji Muñoz.

*2023 stock* "To watch two butterflies in flight is to see a complex intertwining of zigs and zags, dips and weaves, as each—seemingly erratically--rides the turbulence its wings create to carry it along. Together they trace an unchoreographed but nevertheless coherent set of variations on the line as they move with, against and through each other’s paths.  The intricate pattern of two butterflies’ interwoven flight paths stands as a fitting analogue for the nuanced complexity of Busy Butterflie…

"Second album for Clairvoyance, a trio that sublimates improvisation through a blessed chemistry, delivering a perfectly balanced music where elements coming from different derivations and attitudes find grace and essentiality, freshness and solidity. Narrative spots and timbral consciousness inform this classy band and make this record unmissable!! Clairvoyance's fundamental orientation--an orientation that, collectively and individually, represents a compositional stance toward improvisation. …

"Amirani Records, the label founded and run by Milanese soprano saxophonist Gianni Mimmo, ends its eighteen-year run with three final releases. The last of the three, a recording of the Sestetto Internazionale, was reviewed here earlier; preceding it a duet for Mimmo and Finnish soprano and sopranino saxophonist Harri Sjöström, and a solo recording by Milanese cellist Walter Prati. Mimmo and Sjöström are frequent collaborators, whether in the Sestetto Internazionale or as duet partners, and on W…

[…] There is something slightly daunting about the notion of an improvising sextet. Do the casual math of instrumental permutations from six soloists to one sextet, adding in duos, trios, quartets and quintets, and you have something like 55 possible combinations. Literally anything might surface, but among the least likely is the superb music achieved here by Sestetto Internazionale, music that dances between the ideal poles of inevitability and unpredictability, inviting a sense of wonder. Lis…

"I look at this HerbstReise of ours as a sequence short but complete gaze of sound, often evocative in a narrative way, aimed at fulfilling an articulate as well as legible pattern. Though a single breath crosses them, fascinating opportunities are not alien to the syntax, the outline, and the expression of these improvisations. A clear ellipsis the dialogue proceeds delicately and consistently into, even when it thickens. The inner timing, the layer of colour that shines through have a reflecti…

*2023 stock* "Gianni Mimmo who runs Amirani Records from Italy and has performed in the KFJC Pit, here is joined by Pierfrancesco Mucari in a series of unaccompanied saxophone duets. These inventive and engaging duets bring to mind some of the duet work of Julius Hemphill and Oliver Lake, if only somewhat less raucous. I also hear a soupcon of Anthony Braxton.  These duets seem to be neither fully written out but nor entirely improvised. They play sopranos and an alto, the musical range of which…