Recommendation of Wa-Jazz: A Masterpiece of Japanese Jazz—One Must-Listen Album

music writerKOH-1
Started working as a music writer as a side job while employed at a record shop, and for over 18 years I’ve contributed to music magazines, disc guide books, mooks, and web media. As a writer my main field is Western music, but as a listener for over 35 years, I always try to keep my curiosity alive with the motto “I like what I like.” I have experience playing in bands, where I was a bassist who handled songwriting and composition. Instruments I’ve played include bass, guitar, and piano. I began studying English in my mid-40s and continue to do so today.

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!

Recommendation of Wa-Jazz: Masterpieces of Japanese Jazz – One Must-Listen Pick (71–80)

I look up as I walkDennis Lambert

Dennis Lambert Jazz Quartet - Sukiyaki (Ue o Muite Arukou)

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.

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Riverside HotelFried Pride

Fried Pride - Riverside Hotel

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!

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Almost ThereHideo Kobayashi

[Downtempo] Almost There – Hideo Kobayashi

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.

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Float In AfternoonJAFROSAX

Jafrosax – Float In Afternoon

Float In AfternoonJAFROSAX

This is a classic jazz album by the Japanese project Jafrosax, who deftly handles everything from broken beats and nu-jazz to deep house.

While it has a fusion flavor, it’s been elevated with more Latin-like beats, resulting in an emotional track featuring English-language vocals.

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JupiterMaiko

Jupiter / Gustav Holst : maiko jazz violin live!

JupiterMaiko

Ayaka Hirahara’s song “Jupiter” is being performed in a gently intimate duo with piano by Maiko, a jazz violinist active in Tokyo.

It was also the theme for the drama “Rikuoh.” Maiko is a young jazz violinist who is mainly active in the Tokyo area!

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