Recommendation of Wa-Jazz: A Masterpiece of Japanese Jazz—One Must-Listen Album
If you’re not particularly interested in jazz as a genre, you might just think of it as music from abroad.
In fact, here in Japan, we’ve produced many world-class players, and countless remarkable classic albums have been released.
This time, we’re presenting a selection of essential “Wa-Jazz” masterpieces by Japanese musicians.
While focusing on timeless classics from the ’60s and ’70s, the lineup also turns its attention to works released in the ’90s and 2000s.
Please enjoy jazz music with a distinctly Japanese flavor—something a little different from overseas jazz!
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Recommendation of Wa-Jazz: Masterpieces of Japanese Jazz – One Must-Listen Pick (71–80)
ConfirmationTogashi Masahiko
This is “Confirmation” from Japanese jazz percussionist and drummer Masahiko Togashi’s album Plays Bebop Vol.
1.
The album was recorded in 1991 in collaboration with Japan Jazz Spirits, the group Togashi formed with jazz pianist Masahiko Satoh.
confirmationWatanabe Sadao
Here is “Confirmation” from Sadao Watanabe’s album I’m Old Fashioned.
Released in 1976, I’m Old Fashioned is the first album on which Watanabe collaborated with The Great Jazz Trio, the jazz trio formed by American jazz pianist Hank Jones.
Englishman In New YorkAoki Karen
Although she is a Latin vocalist, Karen Aoki sublimates influences from jazz and pop into her own musical style, and this is one of her signature cover songs.
While originally a classic by Sting, her skillful reinterpretation with a jazz flavor is undeniable, and among the many covers, it is especially popular as an essential gateway album to jazz for younger generations in Japan.
era; age; time; periodCHAKA
“Jidai,” a classic by Miyuki Nakajima, sung by CHAKA, who is now at the forefront as a jazz vocalist.
Let yourself be captivated by CHAKA’s soulful voice.
I’ve only been to one of her live shows, but one listen is all it takes to fall in love!
I look up as I walkDennis Lambert
This is a performance by pianist Denis Lambert’s quartet.
The saxophonist up front and the bassist are foreign musicians who are mainly active in Tokyo.
It’s a gentle, soothing rendition.
This song really must be famous worldwide.
Riverside HotelFried Pride
“Riverside Hotel,” a timeless classic by Yosui Inoue, sung by Shiho from the guitar-and-vocal duo Fried Pride.
Her slightly husky, soulful voice pairs perfectly with the rich, gut-string guitar sound—it really draws you in!
Almost ThereHideo Kobayashi
While actively exploring the lineage of jazz and a return to acid jazz, this acid-leaning jazz masterpiece by Hideo Kobayashi is constructed with a delicate balance that never strays from true dance music.
It’s well-known in the house scene, yet you can also fully appreciate its high-quality jazz sensibility.