Review: Those with expert knowledge of Japanese jazz have long regarded Orang Utan, a 1975 set spearheaded by renowned bassist and cellist Isao Suzuki, as a hard-to-find classic. It's thought of as one of Suzuki's most successful explorations of his innovative sound, which fluidly fused elements of jazz fusion and free-jazz. Suzuki was joined on the record by a who's who of Japanese jazz, including saxophonist Kenji Mori, guitarist Kazumi Watanabe, bassist Samu Kawalami and drummer Sjinji Mori. As this remastered reissue proves, it remains a sparkling and mood-enhancing affair, with highlights including the loose-limbed fusion excellence of 'Blue Road' and 'Where Are You Going', a sublime cover of the Shriley Horn song of the same name featuring guest vocals by Mari Nakamoto.
… Read more