Back catalogue: Jazz

Review: Released back in 1979, Inga was Yagi Masao's first truly solo project released on vinyl. The late jazz pianist had previously created a tribute album to Thelonious Monk in the summer of 1960, a lovesong to one of the greatest jazz composers in history. The Japanese Americanophile is hardly a small star himself, scoring multiple movies and TV shows like the boxing anime 'Ashita no Joe' as well as live-action 60s classics like 'Good-bye Moscow' and 'Bad Girl, Yoko'. Well deserving of a third issuing, the first vinyl reissue since its original pressing, 'Inga' is a multi-instrumental masterpiece where Masao flexes his dexterity to the highest degree. No better is this shown than the dramatic, sweeping intro track ' Memories (Piano Solo)', a showcase in tempo and restraint unlike any you will ever hear today. Curiously, his name seems to be misspelt as Yagui on the 'Inga' cover, and that cover alone - one of numerous quirks to this spellbinding release.

Review: With roots that date back to 1967, when Weekly Manga Action magazine decided to take a punt on a new character, master thief Lupin III, grandson of gentleman robber Arsene Lupin, and his criminal gang, Takeo Yamashita and Otomo Yoshihide's collaborative soundtrack has cult status written all over it. While not made to accompany the core Lupin III series, the music here featured on the critically acclaimed Lupin Zero, a saga that takes us back to the early years of the protagonist - a young boy opening the door on a life of crime in mid-1960s Japan. On record, that sounds like a flamboyant and intoxicatingly heady brew of jazz, psychedelic rock, electronic experimentation and pure groove. As vivid as both the original printed cartoons and the subsequent screen adaptations that continued the legacy.

Review: Youn Sun Nah's 'Elles' is a mesmerising exploration of diverse musical landscapes in which the South Korean jazz vocalist reinterprets iconic songs by female artists. Released on Warner Music International., the album showcases Nah's unparalleled vocal versatility, seamlessly navigating genres from jazz to pop. Her ethereal voice breathes new life into classics like 'Killing Me Softly With His Song' by Roberta Flack and with each track, Nah unveils a unique emotional depth, transcending language barriers. As such Elles stands as a testament to Youn Sun Nah's ability to infuse her own artistry into well-known compositions, creating an evocative and genre-defying musical journey.

Review: Larry Young's Unity was released in 1965 and has endured with a fine reputatopn for being a rather innovative work in the jazz realm. As a pivotal figure in the post-bop and modal jazz movements, Young's innovative organ playing redefined the possibilities of the instrument. Unity marked his debut as a bandleader and he did so alongside an exceptional lineup that featured Woody Shaw, Joe Henderson, and Elvin Jones. The title track is a mesmerizing 16-minute exploration that showcases Young's mastery of the Hammond B-3 organ as he creates a spiritual and avant-garde atmosphere. The album's fusion of hard bop, modal jazz and experimental elements solidified Young's place in the pantheon of jazz greats you need to know, if you don't already.

Review: Yussef Days, a virtuoso drummer, has injected fresh energy into contemporary jazz and broken beat genres through multiple innovative projects, each showcasing his remarkable talent. One of them is The Yussef Dayes Experience which recently dropped its Live At Joshua Tree Presented By Soulection album and now follows it up with another live album, this time from Malibu, on Gilles Peterson's revered Brownswood label. It features music from his critically acclaimed debut solo album, Black Classical Music, and plenty of other gems on limited vinyl with features from his usual longtime collaborators Rocco Palladino, Venna, Elijah Fox, and Alexander Bourt.