Back catalogue: Jazz

Review: Enja Records was founded in Munich in the early 70s by jazz devotees Matthias Winckelmann and Horst Weber. Given a co-sign by the always on-point BBE and IF Music founder Jean-Claude, the label is now enjoying a retrospective compilation which seeks to celebrate the best of their golden years. Featuring performances by John Stubblefield, Bobby Hutcherson, Harold Land, Don Cherry, Cecil McBee and Pharoah Sanders collaborator Marvin Hannibal Peterson to name but a few, this collection provides a great jumping-off point for Enja's rich and diverse back catalogue. It may only be an introduction to a vast pool of music, but it's curated with authority by a dedicated head, so you know you're getting a shortcut to the best the label has to offer.

Review: Renowned DJ and selector MURO is a Jedi-level compiler and this new collection of his delves into Victor's extensive archives to spotlight a world of Japanese jazz, fusion and AOR. It take sin plenty of internationally known names like Yasuko Agawa on the sunset sounds of 'L.A. Night', Sadistics who offers the more psyched out guitar leans of 'On the Seashore', Yuji Ohno's neo-Balaeric bliss-out 'The Dawn of Seychells' and Hiroshi Fukumura's soul soothing Ry Ayres-style melodies on 'White Clouds.' These are luxurious sounds and timeless tracks with MURO's signature funky perspective making this a brillaint choice for brighter, warmer days.

Review: Fourth Wave's latest compilation feels like a musical postcard from Japan's vibrant underground, gliding through genres with effortless charm. Mari Nakamoto's 'Day Dreaming' sets a tranquil mood with her airy vocals drifting over soft, dreamy instrumentals. Yudai Suzuki's 'Midnight Calling' brings smoky sax riffs and laid-back grooves, perfect for late-night introspection. Yasuhiro Abe's 'Night Fish' dives into psychedelic waters, swirling with hypnotic melodies and unpredictable rhythms. Maki Asakawa's 'Kohi Hitotsu' radiates raw emotion, her voice rich with longing. Yuji Ozeki's 'Futaribun No Yume' blends traditional Japanese sounds with modern electronics, crafting a sound both timeless and futuristic. Jin Kirigaya's 'Matenro Monogatari' closes the collection with cinematic depth, its sweeping arrangement lingering long after the final note.

Review: The Three Blind Mice compilation, curated by DJ and producer Tatsuo Sunaga, offers a brilliant overview of the iconic Japanese jazz label's legacy. This double album set brings together some of the most influential tracks from the 1970s and 1980s, highlighting the label's pivotal role in revitalising the Japanese jazz scene. Founded by Takeshi Fujii, TBM aimed to be Japan's answer to Blue Note, and it succeeded by delivering impeccable sound quality and showcasing innovative talent. With standout artists like Tsuyoshi Yamamoto and Isao Suzuki, this compilation features exceptional performances, such as 'Nardis' by Masabumi Kikuchi, 'A Green Caterpillar' by Masaru Imada Trio, and 'Feel Like Makin' Love' by Isao Suzuki Sextet. The selection spans ballads, bebop, and more avant-garde sounds, reflecting the label's diverse offerings. What sets this compilation apart is the meticulous mastering by Isao Kikuchi and cutting by Katsutoshi Kitamura, ensuring the original recordings' clarity is preserved. The gatefold packaging, complete with an OBI strip and liner notes by Takao Ogawa, adds historical depth, making this a great set to have. This collection encapsulates the vibrant spirit of "Wa Jazz" and also shows TBM's profound influence on Japanese jazz.

Review: This soundtrack is a classy melange of blues, jazz and rock that all perfectly capture the sultry atmosphere of Dennis Hopper's neo-noir classic of the same name. Set in a small Texas town, the film follows drifter Harry Madox as he becomes entangled in a web of seduction and deceit and the moody cinematography and gripping narrative are elevated by this electrifying score. Legends of their game like Miles Davis, John Lee Hooker, Taj Mahal and Earl Palmer all feature with sparse, eerie and deeply evocative overtones. For that reason, this one is much sought after and has retained its smoky allure 35 years after its original release.

Review: ***B-STOCK: Creasing to corner of outer sleeve but otherwise in excellent condition***


This soundtrack is a classy melange of blues, jazz and rock that all perfectly capture the sultry atmosphere of Dennis Hopper's neo-noir classic of the same name. Set in a small Texas town, the film follows drifter Harry Madox as he becomes entangled in a web of seduction and deceit and the moody cinematography and gripping narrative are elevated by this electrifying score. Legends of their game like Miles Davis, John Lee Hooker, Taj Mahal and Earl Palmer all feature with sparse, eerie and deeply evocative overtones. For that reason, this one is much sought after and has retained its smoky allure 35 years after its original release.

Review: These unreleased recordings from 1970 are an absolute treasure for soul jazz aficionados. Serving as an essential companion to the originally released Vol.1/2 recordings, they offer a dreamlike experience that you never want to end. Fuzzed-out guitars intertwine with raunchy organs and powerful brass blasts, all guided by the steady pulse of the drums. Sony Japan has truly delivered with this release and offer it up with outstanding recording quality that captures every nuance and emotion of the music. It's a rare opportunity to immerse yourself in the raw energy and creativity of this era so is a must-have addition to any music collection.