Review: The 1950s marked the rise of Japan's modern jazz scene, with the Big Four, helmed by George Kawaguchi, playing a pivotal role. Over the years, the ensemble saw shifts in its lineup but maintained its influence on Japanese jazz. Originally released in 1969 as part of Victor's Japanese Jazz series, George & Sleepy captures both the essence and evolution of this revered group. While tracks like 'Lover' and 'Charade' reflect a sense of nostalgia, echoing the Big Four's golden era, the album is anything but a mere look back. Pieces like 'Tuesday Samba' offer a polished, contemporary groove, while the rhythm-forward 'Vietnam' adds an intriguing exotic flair. The balance between timeless jazz sensibilities and forward-thinking arrangements gives this record.
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