Japanese percussionist Takashi Nakazato, who has performed with notable groups like Jazztronik, Kyoto Jazz Massive, Jaribu Afrobeat Arkestra, and others, returns with his third release for Steve Conry’s Manchester-based Ten Lovers Music label, titled Secret Society EP.

This brilliant four-track recording features a heavy dose of Japanese Latin jazz primed for the dancefloor, that includes energetic and layered percussion rhythms, funky bass lines, soaring horn melodies and more.

Nakazato plays a wide range of percussion instruments on the recording, including congas, cowbell, claves, bongos, Batá drums and more. He is joined on the session by bassists Kei Ishi, and Ryo Kawasaki, pianist Miwa Kashima, drummer Hayato Yamazaki, timbales player Willy Calderon, and a number of guests including tenor saxophonist Miwa Kashima, alto saxophonist Yu Hagiwara, trumpeter Mitsuru Tanaka, vibraphonist Ayumi Suzuki, and percussionist Oli Savill.

Incredible from start to finish, this is definitely up there with some of the best jazz EP releases of 2023. Highly recommended!

The Takashi Nakazato Set — ‘Secret Society EP’
(Ten Lovers Music)

1. Secret Society
2. Rumbara
3. Adaptabilidad
4. Afro Noticias

BUY RECORD

• Jazz
• Jazz Dance
• Jazz Funk
• Latin