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

Return of the Kung Fu World ChampionUehara Hiromi

Return of the Kung Fu World Champion

Here’s “Return of Kung-Fu World Champion” from Hiromi Uehara’s album Beyond Standard.

Hiromi is a Japanese jazz pianist active on the world stage.

It’s an album you can enjoy from standards to inventive arrangements.

“Return of Kung-Fu World Champion” is included as a bonus track on the Japan-only edition.

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.

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.

Make Her MineNaka-tsuka Takeshi

Takeshi Nakatsuka – Make Her Mine

Although rooted in pop, this is a masterpiece cover album by Takeshi Nakatsuka that elevates the lineage of swing jazz into his own musical identity at a high level.

It is regarded as a new kind of jazz classic that refashions original swing jazz standards into a catchier flavor appealing to Japanese tastes.

Industrial RevolutionJAM

J.A.M / Industrial Revolution

This is a signature track by Just Another Mind, an artist of the new-generation club jazz scene.

Formed primarily around members of Soil & “Pimp” Sessions, the album stands as a masterpiece that showcases each member’s solid technique and an austere, meticulously refined approach to jazz.

Night in TunisiaYano Saori

A Night in Tunisia - Saori Yano - “Youth Rock Jazz 2011”

From jazz alto saxophonist Saori Yano’s album “Answer,” here is ‘A Night in Tunisia.’ This album is a request collection from fans, released in her 10th anniversary year.

Ten years after her striking debut at the young age of 16, she presents music that has grown and been refined.

If I can see you in my dreamstanaka rika

Tanaka Rika — If We Meet in a Dream

Yume de Aetara, covered by Rika Tanaka, a skilled vocalist based in the Kansai region.

I’m delighted whenever it comes on TV as the theme song for the Sekisui House Real Estate commercial.

Tanaka has released two J-pop cover albums, and this track is included on the second one.