The Tokyo Jazz Notes Dozen ＃54 - January 2015

The first dozen of 2015 features a some new tunes from Japan and around the world as well as a couple of journeys back in time. Enjoy ...


Out Of This World - Frances Faye (from Bethlehem Yoru No Jazz Pt 2 on Bethlehem/Solid 2014)

Whatever Lola Wants - Baby Face Willette (from Face To Face on Blue Note 1964)

Help Me Get Out Of Here - The Lyman Woodard Organization (from Saturday Night Special on BBQ/Wax Poetics 2009 reissue)

Montara - Bobby Hutcherson, David Sanborn, Joey de Francesco, Billy Hart (from Enjoy The View on Blue Note 2014)

Um Allah - Aquila (from Spiritual Jazz 5: The World on Jazzman Records 2014)

Nighthawk - Satoru Shionoya Trio (from Wheelin' Ahead on Victor Entertainment 2003)

The Drunk - Osaka Monaurail (from Riptide (and other readings from the book of funk) on Unique Records 2014)

Sugar Daddy - D'Angelo & The Vanguard (from Black Messiah on RCA 2014)

Cleopatra's Dream - bohemianvoodoo (from Aromatic on Playwright 2014)

Raindance - indigo jam unit (from Indigo Jam Unit on Basis Records 2014)

Giant - Gideon van Gelder (from Lighthouse on P-Vine 2014)

This Is What I Can See From Here - Joel Silva (from Geyser on Sintoma Records 2014)

The Tokyo Jazz Notes Dozen ＃54 - January 2015 by Tokyojazznotes on Mixcloud

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100 Word Review: Tim Langedijk Trio - Açenja

Tokyo Jazz Notes Pick of 2014 Part 2

Tokyo Jazz Notes Pick of 2014 Part 2 by Tokyojazznotes on Mixcloud

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Tokyo Jazz Notes Pick of 2014 - Part 1

Tokyo Jazz Notes Pick of 2014 Part 1 by Tokyojazznotes on Mixcloud

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The Tokyo Jazz Notes Dozen ＃53 - December 2014

This month's dozen starts out with an older tune and then moves to the present day with half a dozen tracks from Japan and other new tunes from Europe and the States. Enjoy!


Calypso Blues - Zilla Mays (from Jukebox Mambo Vol. 2 on Jazzman Records 2014)

My Car 660 - native (from Liberation on Nature Bliss 2014)

I Wanna Love You - Soil & "Pimp" Sessions (from Brothers and Sisters on Victor Entertainment 2014)

Inuit Party - Mammal Hands (from Animalia on Gondwana Records 2014)

Tribute - Richard Spave (from Whole Other* on Fine Line Records 2014)

Uhuru (feat. Tasha's World) - Nicola Conte (from Free Souls on Schema Records 2014)

Impressions - Yosuke Onuma (from GNJ on T5Jazz Records 2014)

Darkest Hour - Traeben (from Looking At The Storm on Jarr Records 2014)

El Ron Zacapa - bohemianvoodoo (from Aromatic on Playwright 2014)

Really Love - D'Angelo & The Vanguard (from Black Messiah on RCA 2014)

Ginger Sweet - Nia (from NIA on King Records 2014)

Darknight (Moonlight) - Hajime Yoshizawa (from Inner Illusions on Village Again 2014)

The Tokyo Jazz Notes Dozen ＃53 - December 2014 by Tokyojazznotes on Mixcloud

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100 Word Review: Hajime Yoshizawa - Inner Illusions

Label: Village Again

Released: September 2014

The first new release from Hajime Yoshizawa in some time, Inner Illusions sees the pianist assembling an impressive line-up of guests (in addition to playing a lot of different instruments himself), and the album pulls together different styles and elements of his recording career to date – bits of electronic jazz, crossover club sounds and the spiritual jazz sound associated with his time with Sleep Walker. The variety makes for interesting listening, though there are probably two or three tracks too many overall. Tower Of Water, A New Day, Kaleidoscope and Darknight (Moonshine) are some of the highlights. A welcome return.

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100 Word Review: N'sawa Saraca - Forest Dance

Label: Karasound Label

Released: July 2014

N’sawa Saraca is a project led by keyboard player Yasushi Karasawa (the band’s African sounding name a re-arrangement of the syllables in Karasaw-san). Essentially the same line-up as Transient City (plus Nello on percussion and Raphael Sebbag adding spoken word on one track), the main focus here is more on the sweet tones of the Fender Rhodes and piano than the tenor sax. The song titles evoke images of the tropics, though there’s also a slick urban feel to the music. Standout tracks include Dawn, Forest Dance, Jungle Rain and Next Morning. A nice mellow, atmospheric sound worth checking out.

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Sittin' down with eZra Brown

The Tokyo Jazz Notes Dozen #52 - November 2014

November's dozen features half a dozen new or recent tunes out of Japan as well as some other gems from around the world. Enjoy!



Liberation - native (from Liberation on Nature Bliss 2014)

Sonido del Mar - Soil & "Pimp" Sessions (from Brothers & Sisters on Victor Entertainment 2014)

The Way (Truth & Life) - Otis Brown III (from The Thought Of You on Blue Note 2014)

Street Sweeper - Mammal Hands (from Animalia on Gondwana Records 2014)

Namibia - Emanuel Ruffler (feat. Johannes Enders) (from Quartet 718 on Rufftone)

Smokers Forest - Primitive Art Orchestra (from Helix on Playwright 2014)

Slow Cooking Baby - The Eminent Stars (from Sittin' In With ... on Tramp Records 2014)

June 7th - Yosuke Onuma (from GNJ on T5 Jazz 2014)

The One (feat. Vikter Duplaix) - Daniel Crawford (from The Awakening on P-Vine 2014)

I Miel Ricordio - Marco di Marco (from Selection Selected by Jazztronik on Village Again 2014)

A New Day - Hajime Yoshizawa (from Inner Illusions on Village Again 2014)

Samba De-La Cruz - Tres-men (from V.A. - Family Compiled by Playwright on Playwright 2014)

The Tokyo Jazz Notes Dozen #52 - November 2014 by Tokyojazznotes on Mixcloud

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100 Word Review: native - Liberation

Label: Nature Bliss

Released: October 2014

Liberation is the tenth album from the Nagoya-based quartet native, and their first since 2011’s Going With The Flow. This new set features nine new stylish tunes led by Tomoyoshi Nakamura’s sax and flute melodies, with new pianist Koutaro Hiramitsu joining the line-up. There’s the usual mix of uptempo numbers aimed at the dancefloor (Liberation, Samba De Brisa, Compass), slower tunes for the late night bar (Je Suis Comme Je Suis, Conversation With The Moon) as well as the mod jazz feel of My Car 660. An album clearly aimed at a faithful audience, and good for all that.

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100 Word Review: Primitive Art Orchestra - Helix

100 Word Review: V.A. - Family compiled by Playwright

Label: Playwright

Released: September 2014

In a short period of time the Playwright label as established itself as one of the most exciting imprints in Japan for a whole new wave of artists that fill the gap between jazz and club music. The latest release form the label is a (sadly Japan-only) compilation called Familyfeaturing bands from the label covering some classic jazz numbers. Fox Capture Plan give McCoy Tyner's Passion Dance and uptempo rocky twist, Waiwai Steel Band offer an interesting rendition of Ellington's Caravan and Tres-men version Samba De-la-Cruz. Eight tracks in all -- great fun and worth getting.

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The Tokyo Jazz Dozen #51 - October 2014

Later than usual, due to my move and a lack of regualt internet connection, this month's dozen features a couple of new gems from Japan's Playwright label, some other contemporary grooves as well as some recent(ish) re-issues. Enjoy!


Jungle - Yosuke Onuma (from GNJ on T5Jazz 2014)

Visions - Gideon van Gelder (from Lighthouse on P-Vine 2014)

Mau Mau - Art Farmer Septet (from Jazz Club on BGP 2014)

Destroy The Nihilist Picnic - London Experimental Jazz Quartet (from Spiritual Jazz 5: The World 2014)

Benny's Bubble - Tim Langedijk Trio (from Acenja on Tim Langedijk 2014)

Grandma's Rocking Chair - Olli Ahvenlahti (from The Poet on Mr Bongo 2014 re-issue)

Pep's - The Fabulous Three (from The Best Of ... on Truth And Soul 2009)

41 Bernhard - Kerbside Collection (from Mind The Curb on Legere Recodrings 2013)

Together In Paris (from Marco Di Marco Selection by Jazztronik on Village Again 2014)

Nica's Dream - bohemianvoodoo (from Family - V.A. on Playwright 2014)

Gloria's Step - Pietro Ciancaglini, David Kikoski, Ferenc Nemeth (from Second Phase on Via Veneto Jazz/Jando Music 2014)

World Traveller - Tommaso Cappellato & Astral Travel (from Cosm'ethic on Jazz Refreshed 2013)

The Tokyo Jazz Notes Dozen #51 - October 2014 by Tokyojazznotes on Mixcloud

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News update

The Tokyo Jazz Notes Dozen #50 - September 2014

The Tokyo Jazz Notes Dozen hits its half century this month, and this will be the last of the monthly dozens uploaded from Japan, as I'll be moving on to pastures new. This month we have new Japanese music from Soil & "Pimp" Sessions, Primitive Art Orchestra, Wai Wai Steel Band, n'sawa sarape, Jazz Collective and Hiromi, as well as other contemporary sounds from around the globe including Cookin' On 3 Burners and Jaga jazzist, both of home delivered some fine performances at this year's Tokyo Jazz Festival. See you next month. Enjoy!


Love Immediately - Soil & "Pimp" Sessions (from Brothers & Sisters on Victor Entertainment 2014)

Ojo Abameta - The Shaolin Afronaughts (from Follow The Path on Freestyle Records 2014)

Tokyo Saucer - Cookin' On 3 Burners (from Soul Messin' on Freestyle Records 2010)

Caravan - Wai Wai Steel Band (from Family compiled by Playwright on Playwright 2014)

A Place In My Heart (feat. Ryat) - Taylor McFerrin (from Early Riser on Brainfeeder 2014)

Collage - Jazz Collective (from Collage on Jazz Collective/Octave 2014)

Snow Child - Opus 5 (from Progression on Criss Cross Jazz 2014)

Next Morning - n'sawa saraca (from Forest Dance on Karasound Label 2014)

Victory Joy Dance - Gideon van Gelder (from Lighthouse on P-Vine 2014)

Shrine - Primitive Art Orchestra (from Helix on Playwright 2014)

Alive - Hiromi The Trio Project (from Alive on Telarc 2014)

Oslo Skyline - Jaga Jazzist (from Live With Britten Sinfonia on Ninja Tune 2013)

The Tokyo Jazz Notes Dozen #50 - September 2014 by Tokyojazznotes on Mixcloud

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100 Word Review: JariBu Afroeat Arkestra - JariBu

Label: SoulGarden Records/Tramp

Released: June 2014

JariBu Afrobeat Arkestra has been through a few member changes since 2012’s No More Patient, but what remains unchanged is the band’s unflinching commitment to Fela-inspired afrobeat grooves. What sets their music apart from other neo-afrobeat acts is the heavy basslines and the addition of flute to the horn section. As well as building up a solid live following in Japan, their music has also gain plaudits overseas. JariBu sees the band on top form with ten great new tunes including Devil Pts 1 & 2, Wild Pansy, One By One, Unrevealed Truth and Bomb. Possibly their best yet. Recommended.

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100 Word Review: Cookin' On 3 Burners - Blind Bet

Jazz Collective - Collage

Label: Octave/Jazz Collective

Released: July 2014

Collage is an appropriate title for Jazz Collective's third album with various different styles and influences laid down next to each other all contributing the bigger picture. The thirteen tracks on offer build on the sound that has led them to be one of the leading acts in the newest wave of Japanese club jazz, with jazz, jazz funk and club music sounds all evident.

Rejoice Again is a fine mid-tempo track that has both jazz funk and broken beat influences that demands repeated listens. This is followed by the Brazilian fusion sound of the title track, Collage, with the warm sound of the Fender Rhodes, vocals from Saya and extended bass and trombone solos. A perfect summer tune.

There then follows a suite of three covers. Krystol's Don't Change Your Ways, originally an eighties electro-funk number, is given a boogie makeover with Shea Soul on vocals. This is followed by a tribute to the late George Duke in the form of a cover of Daisy Mae, made famous by Raul de Souza. Then, rounding up this section of the album is version of the Bobby Lyle composition Night Breeze, recorded here as a tribute to the late Wayne Henderson , producer of Lyle's version of the track.

Other tracks of note include Love Is The Triumph, which has something of an afrobeat flavour to the rhythm, and Isis which blends jazz with club sounds.

Another solid set from one of the most consistent bands on the scene at the moment. A must have album.

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Mark de Clive-Lowe - Church

Label: Mashibeats/Ropeadope

Released: May 2014

In his career to date, keyboard player, beat maker and producer Mark de Clive-Lowe has explored numerous styles and locations. The different stages of this musical and physical journey are chronicled by MC John Robinson on The Mission, the opening track of de Clive-Lowe's latest album, Church. It's an album that represents a studio-recorded embodiment of his Church event (held in LA since 2011) where he brings together acoustic jazz, electronics and club music featuring a variety of guest artists including the likes of Jamire Williams, Miguel Atwood-Ferguson and Nia Andrews.

Using funding from Kickstarter, de Clive-Lowe managed to set up this whole recording project in a relatively short period of, with some tracks recorded in LA and others in New York (the second city for Church events). The album features some impressive compositions that effortlessly blend elements of jazz, hip-hop, electronica and Brazilian music.

It's an impressive set from start to finish, but tracks that deserve special mention include The Processional, an homage to some of the musicians that have inspired de Clive-Lowe; Sketch For Miguel, written for, and featuring, Atwood-Ferguson; the beautiful Hollow, a song about hopeless emptiness; and the cover if Abdullah Ibrahim's Imam.

Trying to capture all the different elements of Churchin a short review does not really do the album justice. There's a whole spectrum of sounds and styles on this 13-track album that really highlight both the breadth of de Clive-Lowe's vision as well as the scope of his talent as a musician, composer and producer. Definitely one of the albums of 2014. Not to be missed.

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100 Word Review: V.A. - Paul Murphy Presents: The Return Of Jazz Club - Dancefloor Classics From The Original Jazz Dance DJ