Takeo Moriyama

The treasure of Japan’s jazz scene and its most formidable drummer, Takeo Moriyama, drives out a powerful, intense beat. This important work — recorded in April 1994 and the catalyst for Moriyama’s comeback — is being released on vinyl for the first time. Backed by a rock-solid lineup of players — Fumio Itabashi (piano), Toshihiko Inoue (S. Sax & T. Sax), Eiichi Hayashi (A. Sax), and Hiroshi Yoshino (bass) — the recording delivers a ferocious performance that condenses the universe of Moriyama’s fighting spirit into a “Moriyama body.” The LP is reissued with the original 1994 liner notes by Kazutomi Aoki.