★Nipponophone
Cat
Reissue of Hiroshi Suzuki’s glorious jazz-fusion-funk Holy Grail Cat. Cat was recorded in October 1975 at at Nippon Columbia Studio, while Hiroshi Suzuki was visiting his home country of Japan after moving to Las Vegas in 1971 to play with Buddy Rich…
Smile
Tip! *Japan import with Obi Strip* In 1967, drummer Takeo Moriyama joined pianist Yosuke Yamashita’s group, later forming a legendary trio together with saxophonist Seiichi Nakamura in 1969. This group consisting of Moriyama, Yamashita, and Nakamura …
High-Flying
Tip! *Japan import with Obi Strip* Hiromasa Suzuki is a legendary composer and arranger, and a key player who has been active in the Japanese music world, including jazz as well as movies, television and commercials. In the late ‘60s and mid-’70s, he…
Wandering Birds
Tip! *Japan import with Obi Strip* This is the first and long-awaited vinyl reissue of this Jiro Inagaki & Soul Media jazz rock masterpiece! With vocals by Sammy and Yasushi Sawada. Backed by Masahiko Sato, Kimio Mizutani, Hiro Yanagida. Essential!
Head Rock
Tip! *Japan import with Obi Strip* From the opening tune “The Vamp” to the final “Head Rock”, this album is a dazzling jazz rock showcase with dreadnought songs that are filled with ideas and passion. This is a masterpiece that has an overwhelming pr…
Special Sound Series – Vol. 2: The Word
Tip! *Japan import with Obi Strip* "The Word II” track has gained instant worldwide recognition after being sampled by Mac DeMarco in "Chamber of Reflection" and by Travis Scott and Quavo's unit Huncho Jack in "How U Feel." Shigeo Seikito's seminal w…
Babylonia Wind
A deep and mysterious groove that makes you hesitate to give in to it. Kiyoshi Sugimoto is a guitarist who has sharply shot through the heart of the times. This is the highest point of his achievement.
Kiyoshi Sugimoto is a guitarist that Terumasa Hi…
Drum Method
The raging drums scorch the times. Accompanied by a whirlwind of young talents, Takeshi Inomata proudly heralds the arrival of the golden age of jazz-rock. Takeshi Inomata, a drummer who led the jazz scene in Japan with his precise stick work and mus…
Ryukyu Rare Groove Crossover - Okinawa Jazz Funk 1964-1984
A compilation of tracks that rearrange Okinawan folk songs into Jazz Funk, crossover, and large ensemble jazz, featuring works by Kiyoshi Yamaya, who was also highlighted in "Diggers Dozen" (BBE) by the Japanese DJ Muro, known as the "King of Diggin,…
Ryukyu Rare Groove Revisited - Okinawa Pops 1957-1978
A compilation of rare and unique songs that blend rock and soul grooves with pop songs sung in the traditional scales of Okinawa, a southern island of Japan. It includes 14 tropical groove tracks from notable artists such as the iconic Yara Families,…
Flying Easy
First vinyl reissue since its original release in 1980! Track A2 - Cloudy is featured in our WAMONO A to Z Vol. I - Japanese Jazz Funk & Rare Groove 1968-1980 (Selected by DJ Yoshizawa Dynamite & Chintam) compilation.A rich groove crafted by a rhyt…