It’s been way too long since I’ve done a feature on some Japanese jazz albums, so I wanted to circle back and share three that have been on rotation recently. Moving forward, I think I will shift to these being more of a ‘what I am listening to lately’ versus trying to ensure I never repeat an album, since it’s getting a little hard to keep track, so forgive me if you ever see something pop up again!
That being said, I’m fairly certain I haven’t featured any of these just yet, so I hope you all enjoy them!
George Otsuka 5 - Go On’ (1972)
On this early post-bop release from TBM (#13), George on drums leads this group through a set that is so nearly ‘perfect’ that I’d stick it in any top-10 finest JJazz albums recorded.
The opening track — Go On — is the first of three original compositions by various band members and has lively pacing out of the gate. This calms down a bit on ‘Castaly’ before ramping up into a frenzy on ‘Space Drive.’ At this point the set shifts to covers with a beautifully delicate cover of ‘Here’s that Rainy Day’ and an almost frantic cover of Joe Henderson’s ‘Isotope.’
This is an album where after it’s done you may find yourself reaching for a cigarette a la George on the cover…
While the album is on youtube, it’s clearly a recording from a record, so if you are able to track this one down on vinyl or CD I’d urge you to do so!
Hidefumi Toki - City (1978)
Opening an album with a version of ‘Speak Low’ is a perfect way to get my attention as it’s my 2nd favorite standard (after Misty). On ‘City-Toki,’ Hidefumi is supported by some unexpected band members — The Super Jazz Trio, with Joe Chambers, Tommy Flanagan, and Reggie Workman. The result is a relatively unknown sleeper release that knocked my socks off the first time I listened.
While I enjoy Hidefumi’s spirited playing, his ballad playing is just gorgeous. The cover of ‘I love you, Porgy’ right in the middle of the album is the perfect little bit of a break.
Hideo Shiraki - Self-Titled (1959)
It’s only natural the self-titled release from drummer Hideo Shiraki would open with a version of ‘I Got Rhythm.’ This quick little intro jaunt sets up the rest of the album, featuring wonderful hard-bop standards and a handful of cheeky drum-titled tracks.
It’s an enjoyable album from start to finish, especially for those who love the drums. It is also among the first wave of Jazz recordings coming out of King Records in the late 1950s, only a few years in.
Which of these albums have you heard before? Let me know below! If none, which one of these three did you enjoy the most?
Just the other day I revisited some of the albums in the posts parts 1-6! Great list, and it’s today’s listening sorted.