We don’t really cover single releases (apart from the occasional premiere) so we thought we would start a new section on the blog where we shout about some random new singles we have been sent or discovered ourselves in some dusty corner. All kinds of music that we may not have time to cover as albums or one time one-offs. Enjoy! Tell your friends! This episode includes Nicola Cruz, Voodoo Drummer, Romperayo, Cyril Cyril, Chizawa Q & more...
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Fumio Itabashi 'Watarase' (WEWANTSOUNDS) - a review
There have been reissues before but this newly remastered version of Fumio Itabashi’s 1981 solo piano masterpiece “Watarase” on WEWANTSOUNDS really hits the spot. The title is a spiritually charged classic but the rest of the album’s mix of standards and original compositions are much more than filler. Itabashi’s inventive and unique playing style and emotional openness make this an absolute jewel in the jazz canon. Read / Listen
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Meiko Kaji 'Hajiki Uta' (WEWANTSOUNDS) - a review
The cult Japanese exploitation actress Meiko Kaji never planned to be a singer but with a push from her film studio she discovered a natural talent. 'Hajiki Uta' is the first of five albums that she made for Teichiku in the early 70s and is being comprehensively reissued by the always excellent WEWANTSOUNDS label. The record is a stunning collection of torch ballads and funky-orchestral-psyche grooves propelled by the slasher queen’s achingly melancholic voice; Tarantino created ‘Kill Bill’ around Meiko’s character in ‘Lady Snowblood’ and this album also contains ‘Urami Bush’ from Tarantino’s soundtrack. Read / Listen
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The Jazz Room Vol. 2 compiled by Paul Murphy (BBE) - a review
Legendary DJ and record man (and our guest at this year’s Houghton Festival!) Paul Murphy has curated a second volume of global jazz hybrids that share a keen focus for the dancefloor! With tracks from Japan to Mali, France to Venezuela, The Jazz Room Volume 2 is an exceptional ride! Read / Listen
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Music That Speaks To.... Jules Brennan
Jules Brennan is a British born, Kyoto-based multi-instrumentalist, DJ and producer and as he has just released his brilliant new solo album of Japanese inspired funk-jazz-soundtracky grooves called ‘Wamono’, we asked him to choose some music that speaks to him. From Jimmy McGriff to funky anime soundtracks, we can hear how he created his own unique sound. Read / Listen here
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George Otsuka Quintet 'Loving You George' (WEWANTSOUNDS) - a review
Coming soon on WEWANTSOUNDS - an outstanding live jazz album from 1975 by one of Japan’s greatest ever drummers George Otsuka alongside his quintet. Worth checking out for their killer version of the Minnie Riperton classic ‘Lovin’ You’ alone … Read / Listen / Pre-order here
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Various Artists 'Tokyo Dreaming' (WEWANTSOUNDS) - a review
DJ and broadcaster Nick Luscombe has curated a superlative compilation of Japanese funk, City Pop, ambient and future house from the 1980’s for WEWANTSOUNDS. Packed full of synths, drum machines, soulful voices and occasional 80’s silliness we invited our man from Rough Trade Nottingham and Japanese music cheerleader, Jono Beard to give us his thoughts and his thoughts are good. Read / listen…
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New Music Reviews by Mauro Ferreiro - June 2020
We asked our friend and collaborator Mauro Ferreiro (Error Subcutáneo) to review some recent releases we’ve been listening to and as a talented musician and producer in his own right, he’s got some great insight…read / listen here…
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IF Music presents You Need This - A Journey Into Deep Jazz Vol 3 - a review
Jean-Claude from IF Music brings us another insanely good collection of killer jazz cuts from planet jazz…read/listen more here….
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If Music Presents: You Need This – World Jazz Grooves (BBE) - a Review
Read our review of the essential new compilation by IF Music’s Jean-Claude and Victor Kiswell released on BBE on 23rd November 2018. The sound of jazz as it mutates around the globe, really great stuff. Have a read and listen….
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