Jazz & Improvisation / Japanese Jazz

*2024 stock* Chaos and impulse! The impact of the moment when Japanese rock and jazz was born. Finally, the treasured sound sources from the Late 60's - a period that the whole world craves for - have been released. Recorded with the latest remastering from film music tapes left over from Koji Wakamatsu's films!

*2024 stock* The epic free jazz of the first Yosuke Yamashita Trio and the bleak singing of Rie Yokoyama. Includes a total of five tracks, including the film's opening 'Here's a Quiet Frontline', 'Umitsubame ver II', which features rare singing accompaniment by the Yosuke Yamashita Trio, and the Yosuke Yamashita Trio's performance during and at the end of the film, plus Koji Wakamatsu's story 'I am Koji Wakamatsu! is included.

The ninth album in BBE Music's J Jazz Masterclass Series presents ‘At the Room 427’ by Koichi Matsukaze Trio Featuring Ryojiro Furusawa, a rarely heard exemplar of post-modal power bop and free jazz. Delivered by a trio playing with an intensity and energy that draws on classic Eric Dolphy and mid-era Coltrane but definitely with its own particular vibe, At the Room 427 is an exemplar of febrile improvised jazz that could only come from Japan. This deluxe reissue sees a welcome return to the J J…

**In process of stocking** BBE Music presents the sixth release in its acclaimed J Jazz Masterclass Series: ‘Stop Over’ by Hideto Sasaki – Toshiyuki Sekine Quartet +1. Released at the height of the electric fusion era, ‘Stop Over’ is an all-acoustic hard bop killer, sounding like the Jazz Messengers on speed. When it was originally issued on the private Smile label in 1976, only 100 copies were pressed, making ‘Stop Over’ one of the most sought after and rare LPs in the J Jazz canon. Trumpeter H…

**In process of stocking** The fifth release in the BBE Music J Jazz Masterclass Series has the perfect combination of rarity and exceptional musicality that inspires seasoned collectors to break out in a sweat. Animals Garden by Miyasaka + 5 was originally issued in 1979 on the cult private Japanese label ALM and is reissued for the first time in a 180Gram 2LP edition.Animals Garden was a one-off project led by master drummer Takashi ‘Bear’ Miyasaka and features a powerful and progressive jazz …

In the finest tradition of BBE Music’s J Jazz Masterclass Series, we have a real obscurity of quality to savour. Taken from the rare 1978 private press album ‘Introducing’ by the Hideyasu Terakawa Quartet featuring Hiroshi Fujii, this private press gig recording was originally released in less than 100 copies. This BBE Music edition is the first time this very rare album has ever been reissued. Led by saxophonist Hideyasu Terakawa alongside bassist Tetsuo Miura and drummer Aki- hiro "Thunder" Na…

Wewantsounds is delighted to announce the reissue of Norio Maeda's cult classic "Rock Communication Yagibushi" released in Japan in 1970.

Spacy, originally released in 1977, boasts an impressive lineup of Japanese legends including Haruomi Hosono, Ryuichi Sakamoto, Minako Yoshida, Kenji Ohmura, and Hiroshi Sato. The album features all the usual Yamashita elements, such as euphoric vocals, innovative string arrangements, glistening keyboards, and funky guitar riffs, but the rhythms on this one are a little more forceful.

Hideo Shiraki travelled to the US from Japan in 1962 and was bowled over by Horace Silver and the Bossa Nova Craze happening at the same time. When he returned to Japan he went straight into the studio and cut this Blue Note inspired Japanese Jazz Masterpiece. With a selection of tunes ranging from the 1940's stylings of "Tico Tico" through to the samba infused "Orfeo Negro" and arriving in Silversville with "Sayonara Blues" Hideo Shiraki has hit all the sweet spots! With sleeve notes translated…

"New Hard, led by Toshiyuki Miyama, is one of Japan's leading big bands. Since the release of their seminal work Perspective in 1969, they've opened up new horizons in big band jazz with their cutting-edge sound. This work, Niou to Hato, is one such representative work of the new hard movement, which reached its zenith in 1972. Bandleader Kozaburo Yamaki was then in charge of the entire composition and arrangement, and deeply pursued one of his long-standing themes: Japan, the nation in and of i…

*2024 repress* Since it's formation in 1969, Soul Media had been advocating a fusion of jazz and rock. The next step along that line was this album, In the Groove, recorded in 1973. The sharpness of jazz is brought to the forefront, with rock melting in to give it an edge, and funk injected to imbue it with power and resilience. The result was a strong, sophisticated, and simply "cool music" that could not be categorized within existing genres such as jazz rock, jazz funk, or fusion. This work i…

"Hideo Shiraki, a key figure in Japanese jazz, left his mark with unique music and a strong presence. One of his standout works is Matsuri no Gensou, recorded in 1961. This incredible piece takes a Japanese melody and transforms it into a cool jazz style, making use of a special arrangement on the koto. The collection also features exciting tracks like 'Just One Or Eight' and the dynamic 'Cherokee, which proffers an amazing solo. Contributions from experts like Hidehiko Matsumoto and Yuzuru Sera…

*2024 repress* Tsuyoshi Yamamoto Trio's new project is a reunion session with engineer Yoshihiko Kannari, who revolutionized the jazz sound as the exclusive engineer for the legendary Japanese jazz label Three Blind Mice in the 1970s!

*2024 repress* Tsuyoshi Yamamoto Trio's new project is a reunion session with engineer Yoshihiko Kannari, who revolutionized the jazz sound as the exclusive engineer for the legendary Japanese jazz label Three Blind Mice in the 1970s!

The legendary TBM tag team, Tsuyoshi Yamamoto Trio and Yoshihiko Kannari, have revived and newly recorded this superb Erroll Garner album.

PNL Records and Audiographic Records are thrilled to announce the release of the seven CD boxset, Paal Nilssen-Love & Ken Vandermark: Japan 2019. This co-production includes live recordings by this long-standing duo from their 16-date concert tour of Japan, as well as new collaborations with legendary Japanese musicians: Akira Sakata (reeds/voice), Masahiko Satoh (piano), and Yuji Takahashi (piano). The Nilssen-Love/Vandermark is an internationally acclaimed percussion/reed duo and has been in c…

** 2021 Repress ** In the years following World War Two, Japan developed one of the most insatiable, dynamic and diverse markets for jazz. For a crucial period of little over a decade – from the late 1960s to the early 1980s – Japanese jazz culture progressed at an astonishing rate, producing an extraordinary array of artists, recordings and record labels that created some of the most forward thinking and impressive jazz to be committed to tape. This amazing journey is explored on J Jazz: Deep M…

BBE Music presents J Jazz volume 3, the latest in its definitive compilation series exploring the finest modern jazz from Japan. Since the first volume in February 2018, the J Jazz compilation series has showcased some of the most creative, inspired, and sought-after jazz recorded in Japan during a golden period spanning the 1960s to the 1980s. Illustrating the richness and versatility of the composers and musicians on this collection, the music spans a wide yet coherent range of styles: samba, …

Since 2018, BBE Music has been leading the field in reissuing rare modern jazz from Japan’s golden period spanning the late 60s to the early 80s. The J Jazz Masterclass Series continues to present the finest in Japanese jazz with 'Planets' by Masaru Imada Trio + 1. Originally released in 1977 as a private press album, 'Planets' showcases the refined playing and sophisticated compositions of one of Japan’s leading pianists, Masaru Imada. In a fifty- plus year career he has released over 40 albums…

s of the two following albums from Cinedelic's Orient Series:- Masahiko Togashi, Isao Suzuki "A Day of the Sun" LP, 1979- Takeshi Inomata & Sound Limited "Innocent Canon" LP, 1971Masahiko Togashi, Isao Suzuki "A Day of the Sun"A spiritual jazz masterpiece full of poetry by two geniuses of the Japanese musical scene. Masahiko Togashi and Isao Suzuki, pivotal figures in jazz with a unique talent and sensitivity that transcends conventional jazz forms and styles. In addition to being skilled perfor…

*2024 repress* 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, Love Nature along with three other reissues are so important pieces in 1970s independent jazz. The fourth and last work form Terumasa Hino's Love Re…

**Clear blue and white marbled vinyl, edition of 200** For more than 20 years, Cinedelic has gained a remarkable reputation for illuminating unexpected trajectories within the world of avant-garde sound. While the primary body of their efforts has been dedicated to reissuing unconventional soundtracks and Italian library music, increasingly they’ve been casting their eye abroad. This was partially noteworthy with the launch of their Orient Series in 2021, which endeavors to make seminal gestures…

The baritone sax solo performance that Ryuichi Yoshida has been working on as his life's work is finally released on CD as "SAKAI-Sakai" from doubtmusic. It is based on his approach to the regular live "Sakai" that he has been performing since the summer of 2019 as part of his tea party, and is the culmination of many years of solo performances. "Singing with baritone saxophone" music. Enjoy a live performance to commemorate it.

This is a 2023 reissue vinyl LP pressing of Clay by Yosuke Yamashita Trio. The Japanese jazz composer and pianist originally released his live album in 1974, via Enja Records. Produced by Horst Weber, and Matthias Winckelmann, the album features live performances at the open-air III New Jazz Festival in Moers, Germany

*Limited Edition* Terumasa Hino ventures into a new realm with a spiritual approach in this New York recording, featuring an extended track that balances improvisation and structure. Collaborating with notable musicians like Steve Grossman, Dave Liebman, and Dave Holland, Hino explores unbridled expression within the framework of a finely crafted spiritual jazz session.

*Limited Edition* Embark on a captivating collaboration between Japanese trumpeter Terumasa Hino and avant-garde bassist Reggie Workman. This partnership, from the early 70s, marked a spiritual awakening in Hino's music. The tracks, expansive and expressive, feature a primarily Japanese ensemble, showcasing a departure from Hino's earlier hardbop recordings.

*Limited Edition* Experience the musical journey of Japanese trumpeter Terumasa Hino in this 1970 recording from his early New York trip. With a sextet, including Reggie Workman on bass, Hino explores two expansive tracks, "Gongen" and "Peace & Love," revealing a post-Coltrane spiritual exploration. Taking more musical risks than before, Hino showcases a shift towards a future-oriented jazz approach for the 70s.

*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 style expanded to include free jazz, a rather radical step given the conservatism of the Japanese jazz scene at the time. Beginning in the '70s, his trio (山下洋輔トリオ) toured widely and played many major European events, including the Berlin and Montreux …

*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 space and color with a wonderfully abstract style.

*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…

*Limited Edition* Immerse yourself in a delightful offering of Japanese jazz from the 70s, featuring a straight-ahead approach complemented by captivating fusion elements, courtesy of keyboardist Mikio Masuda, whose electrifying presence enhances most tracks. Tenor saxophonist Takao Uematsu leads the ensemble, with the added brilliance of trumpeter Hitoshi Okano, whose bold lines infuse the record with a touch reminiscent of Freddie Hubbard's CTI-era sensibility. While certain tracks exude a fun…

*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…

Esteemed pianist Masabumi Kikuchi enjoyed a long and illustrious career in jazz that encompassed many forms. After playing in Lionel Hampton’s Japanese touring band, he played on five Sadao Watanabe albums in mid-1960s and backed Sonny Rollins before studying at the Berklee College of Music. Matrix was the first of five albums recorded with his Sextet and is rightly rated one of the greatest of his entire career, the album mixing well-executed covers of songs by Chick Corea, Miles Davis, Watanab…

*2023 stock* From 1960 era, Hiroshi Yamazaki played with Masayuki Takayanagi, Kaoru Abe, Masabumi Kikuchi, and so on. He plays from standard Jazz to Freeform Improvisation by his original drum sounds and now he put the focus on this unit called Tryangle. Also bassist Nobuyoshi Ino played with Masayuki Takayanagi and Yamazaki from 60 era. Tryangle is the unsettled unit that drummer Yamazaki and bassist Ino invite unique guest musician. For example, Takayuki Kato (g), Masayo Koketsu (as), Sachi Ha…

*2023 stock* Japanese prog. irregular time signature drum master, Tatsuya Yoshida and crazy beautiful jazz pianist, Dairo Suga met and improvised first time at the venue “7th Floor”, Tokyo on 2021. This CD is the all recorded memorable live performance then. The duo playing has a passion, a sense of speed, number of voices and mugginess ! Yoshida uses brushes ( unbelievable ! ) and singing by falsetto voice, and Suga send out a prog-rock-like phrase. They are getting closer to each other but don…

*2023 stock* "A critical point of explosive hardcore improv! A relentless mass of sound! The long-awaited first album of this hardcore trio, which has been steadily increasing its fan base by always running at full speed and radiating sound to the limits of their physical and mental strength, has finally made its debut!　This group was formed based on Hirose's concept of packing condensed sounds to the limit, and there are no gaps between sounds, no interplay, and no formulaic improvisational ele…

Delve into the groovy sounds of a Japanese harp jazz trio led by Tadao Hayashi. Similar to Dorothy Ashby's small combo records, the trio, with Takao Kusagaya on bass and Koichi Suzaki on drums, maintains a lean approach. Hayashi's harp work, given ample space, weaves mesmerizing note combinations with a gentle groove, especially enhanced by skillful bass. Familiar tunes take on a fresh perspective, resonating strongly in this recording.

*2023 stock* A wonderful recording by Japanese first generation free improvisers Sabu Toyozumi, Syoji Ukaji and Ryoh Hara.

*2023 stock* "A genuine ‘under the radar’ album known only to a handful of Japanese jazz collectors, ‘East Plants’ is now available once more, reissued as CD and digital formats. Originally released in 1983 on the Japanese VAP label, ‘East Plants’ is an essential album in the J Jazz canon. It’s an album that distils several key characteristics of Moriyama’s music: clearly articulated and inventive rhythms, open yet orderly arrangements, and an accessible groove balanced with a graceful control. …

*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 …