Toshiyuki Miyama, The New Herd

"New Hard, led by Toshiyuki Miyama, is one of Japan's leading big bands. Since the release of their seminal work Perspective in 1969, they've opened up new horizons in big band jazz with their cutting-edge sound. This work, Niou to Hato, is one such representative work of the new hard movement, which reached its zenith in 1972. Bandleader Kozaburo Yamaki was then in charge of the entire composition and arrangement, and deeply pursued one of his long-standing themes: Japan, the nation in and of itself. Thus we hear Japanese motifs, traditions, and scenes expressed via elaborate, multi-layered arrangements and performances; profound and dynamic melodies with a distinctly Japanese atmosphere are heard throughout and all are undeniably describable as mysterious. Starting with 'Seijinshiki', led by a strong groove, the album comes hem-lined with songs of deep flavor and great excitement. This is the true essence of new hard and its climax." - juno.co.uk