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

JubileeDoi Ichirō Torio

Arabama Jubilee ～ Washboard

This is a signature piece by Ichiro Doi, a jazz pianist from Osaka.

While his style is rooted in the modern jazz tradition exemplified by artists like Bill Evans, he gained popularity by synthesizing a wide range of musical influences, including the use of synthesizers.

This track is also regarded as a classic in Japanese jazz.

So longYamanaka Chihiro

Chihiro Yamanaka Live in New York ~So Long~

Here is “So Long” from the album “Forever Begins” by jazz pianist Chihiro Yamanaka, who hails from Kiryu City, Gunma Prefecture.

Though there isn’t much information circulating, it’s a masterpiece created with two significant jazz figures: bassist Ben Williams and powerhouse drummer Kendrick Scott, a leading force in the new generation of jazz.

Its melodious jazz will surely capture your heart.

RomanceSuzuki Hiroshi

Romance

Hiroshi Suzuki is a trombonist who excels across a wide range of jazz styles—from modern to free—and is so highly regarded in the Japanese jazz scene that people say, “If you want a great performance, make sure you’ve got that trombone player.” Recorded while Suzuki, who had moved to the United States in the early ’70s, was briefly back in Japan, his album “Cat” is a classic beloved even by generations into rare groove.

Featuring members of the legendary jazz combo Freedom Unity, the album was recorded in 1975 and released the following year, 1976.

The tracks blend funky, soulful, mellow, and spiritual elements, all executed at the highest level, generating an effortlessly cool, irresistibly slick groove throughout.

The jacket design—an intense close-up of Suzuki’s face mid-performance paired with a subtle cat silhouette placed just so—is a perfect touch.

Listening to an album like this makes it clear that in the 1970s there were jazz players creating grooves of truly exceptional quality.

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Early SummerFukui Ryo

Early Summer

This is a signature work by pianist Ryo Fukui.

The first half features a calm, mellow piano that sets a soothing mood, while the latter half lets you experience the exhilaration of rapid-fire playing.

It’s a refined piano piece that Japan can be proud of—an album-wide masterpiece worthy of its acclaim.

threadItō Daisuke

Ito by Daisuke Ito – New Album “FORWARD”

This is “Ito,” sung by jazz vocalist Daisuke Ito.

It’s a classic that many artists cover.

You often hear it in a variety of settings, such as wedding scenes.

I once heard Daisuke Ito live; he was a tall, slender, and refreshingly pleasant young man.

contrailshijukara

Hikōkigumo (Contrail) cover by Shijūkara

This is “Hikōkigumo” by Shijukara, a jazz duo formed by bassist Tetsushi Kishi and vocalist Naoko Takahashi, who are husband and wife.

Takahashi’s soaring high notes are a pleasure to hear.

It looks like their first album is finished, so if you’re interested, be sure to check it out!

You like whisky, don’t you?Yano Saori

Saori Yano (As) 'Confirmation ~ Do You Like Whisky?'.wmv

We play it as the final number of the live set after “Confirmation.” Saori Yano, who drew attention at her debut as a genius high-school saxophonist, has truly become an adult woman.

The saxophone is, of course, wonderful, and the whistling at the end has a beautiful ring to it.