BBE’s superb Japanese Jazz compilation series returns, dives into the Nippon Columbia label
Since the release of the series’ first compilation back in 2018, in addition to two follow-up compilation recordings and a growing number of select album reissues, BBE’s J Jazz has become the most definite collection exploring innovative and rare Japanese jazz. Curated by Tony Higgins and Mike Peden, the highly anticipated fourth compilation dives deep into one of the biggest and most diverse labels in Japan, Nippon Columbia.
Featuring 16 tracks over 3LPs, this remarkable compilation focuses on the label’s fruitful years 1968-1981, and highlights a wide array of tracks ranging from solo to big band, jazz classical interpretations and heavy jazz-funk, to post-bop, samba fusion, modal and psyched-out grooves.
The record includes iconic artists such as drum master Takeo Moriyama, keyboard magi Hiromasa Suzuki, Fumio Itabashi, and Masahiko Satoh, and guitar wizards Kazumi Watanabe and Kiyoshi Sugimoto, alongside big band maestros and innovators Nobuo Hara and his Sharps and Flats, and Toshiyuki Miyama’s New Herd. The recording also includes saxophonist Jiro Inagaki, a Brazilian inspired jazz dance selections from Takashi Mizuhashi featuring Herbie Hancock and Mikio Masuda, a couple of funky fusion cuts from Shigeharu Mukai and more.
The well-craft release also includes 7,000 words of extensive sleeve notes, along with obi strip and 4-page insert.
With so much incredible Japanese-based music explored, this expansive release is truly a “must-own,” and easily one of the best compilations of 2023.
Various — ‘J Jazz Vol. 4: Deep Modern Jazz from Japan – Nippon Columbia 1968 -1981’
(BBE)
- Takeo Moriyama – Exchange
- Jiro Inagaki & His Soul Media – The Ground For Peace
- Nobuo Hara and his Sharps & Flats, Hozan Yamamoto – Chakkiri Bushi
- Tomoki Takahashi – Trial Road
- Masahiko Sato – A Muddy Muffin
- Takashi Mizuhashi & Herbie Hancock – Samba de Negrito
- Hiromasa Suzuki – Scramble
- Shigeharu Mukai Quintet – A Head Wind
- Nobuo Hara and His Sharps & Flats – Prelude To The Afternoon Of A Faun
- Kiyoshi Sugimoto – Jones Street
- Hiromasa Suzuki, Jiro Inagaki & Big Soul Media – By The Red Stream
- Mickie Yoshino & Kazumi Watanabe – Kaleidoscope (Edit)
- Toshiyuki Miyama and His New Herd – 奥儀伝授式 Ougi Denju-shiki
- Shigeharu Mukai – 突風 Toppu 15:15
- Mikio Masuda – Mickey’s Samba
- Fumio Itabashi – Macumba
