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: One Essential Japanese Jazz Album (91–100)
RomanceSuzuki Akiko
It’s a timeless masterpiece whose beauty still resonates today, letting you truly feel the rich tone of the Rhodes piano.
Sampled widely both in Japan and abroad, its gorgeous Rhodes loop is one of a kind, and the meticulous attention to the drum drop-ins and the airy sax makes it a truly supreme track.
Life’s A FlameYuji Ohno feat. Lileth
This is a swing jazz number by the master Yuji Ohno.
With its bouncy rhythm, tight band, and standout vocals, it’s an exquisite track.
It’s highly glamorous, yet—filtered through a Japanese sensibility—it also conveys the profound depth of Black culture.
Alone, Alone, and AloneHino Terumasa
From Terumasa Hino’s album “Alone, Alone and Alone,” this is the track “Alone, Alone and Alone” by the world-renowned Japanese jazz trumpeter.
The pianist is Yuji Ohno, famous for the theme of Lupin the Third.
It’s a luxurious album that lets you hear performances by two great masters on a single record.
Whisky’s HighQuasimode feat. Afra
This is a collaborative track by human beatboxer Afra and the nu-jazz band Quasimode.
It’s a landmark album that opens yet another hole in the history of jazz’s experiments, and through the unprecedented use of the instrument of voice percussion, it has been completed as a work renowned as a masterpiece of next-generation jazz.
Love AddictNakajima Mika
With Shinichi Osawa of MONDO GROSSO brought on as producer, this track takes on urban club jazz.
The horn arrangement in the background really works.
It’s Mika Nakashima from over a decade ago, but the PV still conveys plenty of mature allure.
Apple OiwakeItō Kimiko
Apple Oiwake, the classic by Hibari Misora, performed by jazz vocal legend Kimiko Itoh.
Her delivery in Japanese draws you in, with every word carrying weight.
The backing band features an all-star lineup as well.
Itoh has been energetically championing Japanese music in jazz—releasing a Tsugaru-dialect jazz album and a cover album of Hibari Misora’s songs.
City LightsIchikawa Ai
The vocalist Ai Ichikawa performs the Showa-era classic “Machino Akari,” made a hit by Masahiro Sakai.
She’s supported by Kansai’s leading pianist Kiyoshi Takeshita and trumpeter Mirai Hirose, and her comfortable, relaxed singing presence is striking.