Masahiko Togashi

Masahiko Satoh - Transformation '69-'71 (2011) {Think! Japan DTHK-002, Paper Sleeve rel 2011}
EAC rip (secure mode) | FLAC (tracks)+CUE+LOG -> 284 Mb | MP3 @320 -> 129 Mb | Full Artwork | 5% repair rar
© 1969-71, 2011 Express / Think! Records / EMI Music Japan DTHK-002
Jazz / Post Bop / Piano

Almost all of Japanese pianist Masahiko Sato's albums were released solely in Japan which means they are not easily accessible in the Western world. For those interested in the best Japanese jazz, his name is probably heard, but the problem is where to start with his prolific discography. Being one of the very best Japanese jazz pianists of the last half-a-century (the other equal name is Yosuke Yamashita), Sato released plenty of albums, and they all are quite different stylistically. He was one of the leading stars of the early Japanese avant-garde jazz scene, switched towards fusion later, returned back to freer forms, collaborated with more modern electronics wizards, etc, etc.

Gary Peacock - Voices (1971) {2015 Japan Jazz Collection 1000 Columbia-RCA Series SICJ 37}
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© 1971, 2015 Columbia / Sony Music Japan | SICJ 37
Jazz / Post Bop / Avant-Garde Jazz / Bass / Piano Trio

Reissue with the latest DSD remastering. Comes with liner notes. One of the hippest albums ever recorded by bassist Gary Peacock – one of his rare Japanese-only sessions, and a date that beautifully mixes his bass with acoustic and electric piano from Masabumi Kikuchi! The sound is often somewhat dark – building up slowly from the bottom on long, contemplative lines from Peacock's bass – as Kikuchi fills things in with some slightly sharp edges, but never too much so. The rest of the group features twin drums from Masahiko Togashi and Hiroshi Murakami – although each player drops out for a number apiece. Titles are all originals by Gary – and include "Hollows", "Bonsho", "Ishi", "Voice From The Past", "Requiem", and "Ae Ay".

The name Akira Miyazawa, rarely if ever, appears in jazz reference books, at least not in ones available in North America. Other than some sites selling his CDs, the internet does not offer much about the saxophonist. This is a shame since his recordings tell the story of an accomplished musician whose work has remained intriguing and fresh after almost four decades. Four Units is a reissue of a 1969 session that teams him with a Japanese rhythm sections for four originals and a jazzy reworking of "Scarborough Fair." The music threads the outer reaches of hard bop, adjacent to but not quite into the avant-garde realm. It also has a very Oriental feel to it, with the beautiful serenity of a Japanese Zen garden and the bluesy edge of a late night jam session.

Mudai Trio - Sans Titre (1992) {Ninety-One Japan CRCJ-9111}
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© 1992 Ninety-One / Nippon Crown Japan | CRCJ-9111
Jazz / Contemporary Jazz / Modern Creative

This one is a delight. Gentle natured, thoughtful, beautiful, but not stagnant. Apart from the fact that sound quality is fantastic as expected, the music is also great , free but played with soul quite listenable and enjoyable from those world class musicians!!

Terumasa Hino - Live In Concert (1975) {DSD Japan East Wind Masters Collection 1000 UCCJ-9146 rel 2015}
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© 1975, 2015 East Wind Music / Universal Japan | UCCJ-9146
Jazz / Fusion / Post Bop / Trumpet

Reissue with DSD remastering. A real lost treasure from trumpeter Terumasa Hino – a warm and wonderful live set, and one that's neither too free, nor too smooth – just perfectly set up right down the middle to open up on these beautiful long performances! The lineup is all Japanese – a great array of players that includes Shigeharu Mukai on trombone, Hideo Miyata on tenor, Sadao Watanabe on alto sax, Motohiko Hino on drums, and Fumio Itabashi on Fender Rhodes – part of a slightly larger ensemble who can be tight at times, but still allow plenty of room for open freedom on the solos. Hino's only part of the picture, as the other soloists get in some great space too – and the set includes the 23 minute groover "Logical Mystery", the long soulful original "In The Darkness", and a sweet mellow take on "Round Midnight".

Sadao Watanabe - Jazz Samba (1967) {Victor–KOCH Records KOC-CD-4198 rel 2007} (feat. Masabumi Kikuchi)
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© 1967, 2007 Victor Japan / KOCH Records | KOC-CD-4198
Jazz / Soul Jazz / Jazz-Pop / Crossover Jazz / Saxophone

Features not only samba, includes collection of Jazz and Pops. This is an outstanding recording the instrumentation is well executed and it is very relaxing to listen many of the cool sounding tracks. If you can get it for the right price it's great to add to your Jazz Collection.