Isao Suzuki Sextet Ako's Dream

Another fine example of Japanese jazz from the mid-1970s, this set is led by cellist and bassist Isao Suzuki and features the earliest recorded performances of guitarist Kazumi Watanabe. Four tracks make up the recording, of which two are covers, the opening standard "Body and Soul" (complete with opening melody played on the bass) and "Play Fiddle Play," and two originals, which stack up very well against such classic material. This set was a follow-up to a huge breakthrough album for Suzuki called Blow Up, recorded a year earlier in 1973.

In its many iterations, bassist Isao Suzuki's Blow Up has been used as a demonstration disc at many audio shows and audio shops ever since it was released in 1973. The piano trio (and occasionally a quartet with Suzuki playing cello) plays soulful and energetic jazz.

In its many iterations, bassist Isao Suzuki's Blow Up has been used as a demonstration disc at many audio shows and audio shops ever since it was released in 1973. The piano trio (and occasionally a quartet with Suzuki playing cello) plays soulful and energetic jazz.

In its many iterations, bassist Isao Suzuki's Blow Up has been used as a demonstration disc at many audio shows and audio shops ever since it was released in 1973. The piano trio (and occasionally a quartet with Suzuki playing cello) plays soulful and energetic jazz.

Isao Suzuki is undoubtedly one of the most talented Japanese bass (and cello) players. Before Orpheus, he has wowed the world with his earlier Three Blind Mice releases such as Blow Up! and Blue City. For this trio album, he is joined by another star player of the label, pianist Tsuyoshi Yamamoto.

Isao Suzuki is undoubtedly one of the most talented Japanese bass (and cello) players. Before Orpheus, he has wowed the world with his earlier Three Blind Mice releases such as Blow Up! and Blue City. For this trio album, he is joined by another star player of the label, pianist Tsuyoshi Yamamoto.

Isao Suzuki is undoubtedly one of the most talented Japanese bass (and cello) players. Before Orpheus, he has wowed the world with his earlier Three Blind Mice releases such as Blow Up! and Blue City. For this trio album, he is joined by another star player of the label, pianist Tsuyoshi Yamamoto.

A wicked wicked set of tracks from Japan - one that blends together jazzy riffing and Brazilian rhythms, all played with a surprisingly soulful bent! Suzuki's on bass and piccolo bass, and Yamamoto plays not only electric piano but also a bit of electric harpsichord - which adds a cool feel to the album, and one that's almost like some lost European soundtrack. Rhythms are mostly in a breezy sort of style that mixes samba with bossa jazz – and Donald Bailey is in the group on drums, providing some very nice bottom to the set.