Jazz | Fusion 12 Items

Fabiano de Nascimento, a popular Brazilian guitarist in Japan, and Shin Sasakubo, a guitarist from Chichibu, Japan, who has been linked with South American music and other parts of the world, are releasing on LP a guitar duo recording that started when they performed together live in Japan. The three-day recording began four days after Fabiano do Nascimento and Shin Sasakubo's first concert together. Sharing the same space and time, the two guitarists, with their different styles and origins, explored sounds, let them resonate and repel, and engaged in a dialogue and exchange of ideas that shaped this music.

American jazz singer Gary Marks was born in New York in 1950. After he self-produced his first album, Gathering in 1973, he relocated to the West Coast in 1976, where he collaborated with artists such as Art Lande and Paul McCandless, a member of the band Oregon, producing two albums. Among his many works, his highly acclaimed 1977 second album Upon Oanda’s Wing and his 1978 third album Thoughts Of Why are being reissued on LP for the first time ever by P-vine, and we are proud to present them. His blend of jazz with AOR and folk resonates with the music of artists like Kenny Rankin and Michael Franks. For this reissue, the albums have been newly remastered, ensuring high-quality sound for music fans worldwide.

American jazz singer Gary Marks was born in New York in 1950. After he self-produced his first album, Gathering in 1973, he relocated to the West Coast in 1976, where he collaborated with artists such as Art Lande and Paul McCandless, a member of the band Oregon, producing two albums. Among his many works, his highly acclaimed 1977 second album Upon Oanda’s Wing and his 1978 third album Thoughts Of Why are being reissued on LP for the first time ever by P-vine, and we are proud to present them. His blend of jazz with AOR and folk resonates with the music of artists like Kenny Rankin and Michael Franks. For this reissue, the albums have been newly remastered, ensuring high-quality sound for music fans worldwide.

In 1969, Sahib Shihab and five leading members of the Clarke-Boland Big Band, including Francy Boland, Jimmy Woode, Kenny Clarke, and Fats Sadi, recorded this album for West Germany's Vogue label. The album features the exquisite Latin jazz track "Seeds," the waltz number "Peter's Waltz" dedicated to his son, and the modal piece "Mauve." Each track is highly stylish and sophisticated, showcasing a pinnacle of European jazz that could only be achieved by this exceptional lineup.

This album is the work of Copeland Davis with his own band, released in 1975. He continues to perform energetically as a pianist to this day, and later gained attention and popularity in Japan during the Free Soul and Rare Groove movements. The opening track, "NO Arms CAN Ever Hold YOU," features a beautiful melody played by Davis's refreshing piano. In contrast, the instrumental numbers are also superb, including "PERFIDIA," where light, lively touches intertwine with percussive beats, and the high-tempo, driving groove of "SO IN LOVE." Additionally, the medium-tempo soul track "JET," where Davis himself takes on the vocals, and the mellow "Morning Spring" (m6), famously sampled in Pase Rock's "It's About Time" produced by Nujabes, are standout tracks.For this reissue, the vocal version of "NO Arms CAN Ever Hold YOU," which was previously only available on a 7-inch single, has been included on an LP for the first time. This album is marked by its solid sound quality and a rich variety of songs.

You’d be forgiven for not knowing about these Studio Ghibli-commissioned jazz reworkings of much-loved classic soundtracks with the three-piece All That Jazz being one of Japan’s best kept secrets until now. Originally put together by the power-house animation studio for a series of jazzed-up covers, the group took off with their simple yet moving set-up of piano, bass and drums, and afterwards went on to do another record of anime classics. Sprinkled with complementary instruments, the project is tied together by the soothing vocals of Yukiko Kuwahara. On this first record you can find the hard-hitting main themes from My Neighbour Totoro, Princess Mononoke, Kiki’s Delivery Service and Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind among other carefully curated tracks.

In the 1950s, the Big Four, led by George Kawaguchi, was a pioneering force in Japan's modern jazz scene, gaining immense popularity. Despite changes in its lineup, the group continued to make a significant impact on Japanese jazz. The album 'George & Sleepy' was originally released in 1969 as part of Victor's Japanese Jazz series. While the original liner notes described it as an attempt to recreate the nostalgia of the George Kawaguchi Big Four, this album is far from just a retrospective. Tracks like "Lover" and "Charade" nostalgically evoke the classic Big Four, offering pure enjoyment. Meanwhile, the album also impresses with more contemporary elements, such as the refined groove of "Tuesday Samba" and the exotic, beat-driven "Vietnam." This thrilling album masterfully showcases the timeless appeal of jazz, blending the past and present through the deep, skillful performances of these jazz veterans.

Sharps and Flats, led by Nobuo Hara, has been a driving force in Japan's big band jazz scene with its diverse activities and distinctive musicality. Among the many works produced throughout their long career, 'Little Giant' stands out as one of their most iconic albums. Originally released in 1970 as part of Victor's Japanese Jazz series, this album is notable for the participation of renowned composers and arrangers such as Masao Yagi, Kiyoshi Yamaya, Norio Maeda, and Masahiko Sato. In addition to their original compositions, the album features unique arrangements of pieces by Oliver Nelson, who had a close connection with Sharps and Flats.

The album's intricate and adventurous arrangements, combined with the band's high-level performance quality, are truly remarkable. You'll be captivated by the hipness of "Little Giant," the strength of "Dark Horse," the cutting-edge sound of "Orbit 8:11," and the sophistication of "Flexibility." This dynamic performance, marked by a perfect balance of tension and relaxation, showcases the full potential and allure of Sharps and Flats. This album is a masterpiece that brings out the best in the band.