Takuya Kuroda - Rising Son (2014)

Ascendant trumpeter & composer Takuya Kuroda makes his Blue Note debut with the February 18 release of Rising Son, produced by José James. The album finds Kuroda stepping forth to helm James’ remarkable band (keyboardist Kris Bowers, bassist Solomon Dorsey, drummer Nate Smith, trombonist Corey King) plus vocal contributions from James (“Everybody Loves The Sunshine”) & a guest appearance from imaginative guitarist Lionel Loueke (“Afro Blues”). Listen to the track premiere of "Afro Blues" on The Revivalist!

Indigo Jam Unit - Milestone (2013)

 

Regular Twisted Jazz readers know our obsession with this incredible band very well.  They also know that apart from few exceptions we do not write our own reviews for a number of reasons (first and foremost because these days it's pointless to describe when you can post a a track or stream the whole album and let the reader decide what it sounds like). Indigo Jam Unit is this kind of band which you can't do otherwise than write, speak, hum and let as many as you can into their magnificent world. All the energy and melodic hooks which became the staple sound through the last years are back as this record 'threatens' to become their ultimate signature, career defining "Milestone" album. 

Hex - Hex (2013)

One of the coolest new Japanese combos we've heard in awhile – a group who have some of the live jamming of the club jazz generation, but who also touch on some of the noisier elements of an earlier generation of Japanese avant players as well! The blend is great – never too free or far outside – but a really fresh reinvention of the kinds of core sounds we've been digging from groups like Quasimode or Indigo Jam Unit. Like both those groups, the lineup here is relatively lean – both piano and keyboards played at the same time, with acoustic and electric bass, and heavy drums and rhythms from Midorin – who we know for his work in Soil & Pimp Sessions!

Fox Capture Plan - Trinity (2013)

FOX CAPTURE PLAN - A killer debut from an ultra-cool trio – a group that features members of Jabberloop and Immigrant's Bossa Band – and who work here in a core Japanese club jazz style that's somewhere between the work of Quasimode and Indigo Jam Unit – but a lot more stripped-down than both! Most tracks just feature live drums, piano, and acoustic bass – working at a pace that's highly rhythmic, and very hard-driving – yet with a freedom and lyrical grace that's way more jazz than club! Ryo Kishimoto's piano lines are filled with fire, but still stick strongly to the groove – creating these elliptical patterns that are really wonderful, and completely hypnotic all the way through. 

Soil & Pimp Sessions with Ringo Sheena - Koroshiya Kiki Ippatsu/Spy High ep

A very cool EP from the mighty Soil & Pimp Sessions – and a set that has the group stepping into a whole new realm of music! The fierce horns and sharp jazzy energy of the combo is still at the core here – but the music takes on a bit more of a classic mode, too – almost a crime jazz sort of vibe, with elements that echo an older Henry Mancini mode – but in ways that still have all the joyous bursting of sound we love from Soil & Pimp! Vocalist Ringo Sheena joins the group on the title track – adding in a soulful sort of swing – and the second track is an instrumental with a Japanese title, followed by a third sweet instrumental – "Spy High". (Special package comes with a surprisingly large fold-out poster too!)  © 1996-2013, Dusty Groove, Inc.

Quasimode - Soul Delivery (2013)

A totally great live set from Quasimode – and one that really returns the combo to the core brilliance of their first few records from Japan! The setting is completely unfurled and unbridled – the main quartet soaring away in a fast flurry of piano, bass, and percussion – always with a modal groove, and handled with plenty of soul – and topped throughout with tight horns from the Brassmode quartet – whose tenor and trumpet lines are especially nice, and really help deepen the soul of the music! There's only a bit of keyboards to bring in some slight electricity – but overall, things are mostly acoustic, very jazzy, and played live – with energy that even tops the group's recent studio albums. Two tracks feature vocals – and titles include "Febre Samba", "Another Sky", "The Man From Nagpur", "All Is One", "Relight My Fire", "El Paso Twist", and "Give It Up Or Turn It Loose".  

Mark de Clive Lowe & The Rotterdam Jazz Orchestra - Take the SpaceTrane (2013)

‘Take The Space Trane’, out 4th February, is the new album from producer, composer and musician Mark de Clive-Lowe in collaboration with the Rotterdam Jazz Orchestra. Joining forces for the first time here, they deliver big orchestral jazz grooves with a nod to club productions for a modern, experimental take on the big band sound. The LP brings together bespoke compositions alongside existing cuts from across MdCL’s prolific career, plus a cover of the jazz standard, “Caravan” – all realised with traditional big band arrangements and instrumentation.

Indigo Jam Unit - Rebel (2012)

 by Pyke

If there is one band that can be considered as the absolute TWISTED JAZZ band it's the INDIGO JAM UNIT. Exploding jazz tunes, prolific (a record each year) even in those blink-and-you'll-miss-it digital times, beautiful melodies, unexpected covers (remember that great Re:common cover record?). 

Anyone familiar with the IJU trademark sound would know by now what to expect. And that's exactly what's being delivered wrapped up in optimal quality and innovative playing. From the very first notes of the powerhouse calling card "Rebel" to the emotional centerpiece "Graduation Day" and latin tour-de-force "Danza Eterna" and all the way to the relaxing closing exercise "Reflection", the japanese trio is showing once again how confident, strong and adventurous it is by simply stretching its arms.

BUY IT FROM itunes 

Quasimode - Soul Cookin' (2012)

Quasimode are definitely cooking on this sweet little set – picking up a rich array of influences they've never had before – including bits of Latin rhythms, and some soul music as well! A few of the cuts feature vocals – but in ways that are more straight soul than the group's previous experiments with jazz singers – yet the backings are still tightly jazzy, and played mostly live, in a bold flurry of trumpet, tenor, trombone, piano, bass, and drums – plus some occasional Fender Rhodes as well! The Latin elements really help expand the sound, and flesh out the positive vibe of the record – a soaring, sunny vision that reminds us of the jazzy joy we first found in the music of Monday Michiru.

Indigo Jam Unit - Independent (2011)

One of the most prolific bands on the Japanese scene, indigo jam unit's seventh original album and tenth overall release since 2006 is about to hit the shops just three months after the well-received covers project recorded with vocalist Alicia Saldenha. As with all their releases, the artwork for Independent is a distinctively simple match of sans serif typography and bold colour. And once again fans can look forward to a nine track set of tunes that feature funky basslines, memorable piano melodies and explosive percussion.

The album opens with Escape, featuring a heavy bass loop that continues for the duration of the tune. Takehiro Shimizu then comes in with some jazzy cymbals and drumwork before some crashing piano chords signal the beginning of the drama. The combination of these sounds suggest a frantic and furious flight from something rather ominous. No matter how fast they run away the danger seems to be drawer closer and closer and the abrupt end to the track leaves you wondering whether they fled successfully or were captured by their pursuers.

Whatever the outcome, the band were fortunately able to complete the rest of the album and move on next to Rising. Led by a memorable and haunting piano riff, the track is also notable for its use of the band's signature twin drum sound.

Another heavy bass loop marks the start of Baobab, a fine tune with some great drums and percussions over which Yoshichika Tarue can weave his magic. The tempo changes slightly half-way through, with the percussion and drums taking on a more African and then gradually builds to a powerful finale. Resolution, on the other hand, is a down-tempo number led by an exquisitley melancholy introspective piano loop. As the title, Bounce is a funky uptempo feelgood number that is bound to get you tapping your feet after the more reflective mood of the previous tune, and this track is bound to go down well live.

Devotion is a standout tune with a shuffling drumbeat over which is layered a Latin-flavoured piano hook. It's an exotic and uplifting mid-tempo number that provides the perfect escape from cold winter evenings. 

The final third of the album kicks off with Phoenix, an atmospheric track led by some really impressive piano. The subdued and sobre mood of the first half of the tune gives way to a radiant burst of energy later on signalling the rebirth and resurrection, with the track finishing with a great feeling of hope and optimism. From high drama we then move to more conventional jazz stylings with Sepia, a great swinging tune with an awesome drum solo for its climax, which is followed by the ballad Genuine.

Once again indigo jam unit deliver the goods with Independent. It's an album that sees them sticking to a formula that has served them well for the last few years, but all the time they can continue to produce impressive new tunes like these, there is little need to fix what ain't broke.

- Tokyo Jazz Notes blog

Nujabes - Spiritual State (2011)

Jun Seba (瀬場潤 Seba Jun^?, February 7, 1974 – February 26, 2010) was a Japanese hip hop producer and DJ who recorded under the name Nujabes (ヌジャベス Nujabesu^?), the reverse spelling of his name in Japanese order. Nujabes was also owner of the Shibuya record stores, T Records and Guinness Records and founder of the independent label Hydeout Productions.

In addition to Japanese artists like Uyama Hiroto, Shing02 and Minmi, Nujabes collaborated with Nitish underground American hip hop acts CYNE, Cise Starr (as a solo apart from the hiphop collective CYNE), Apani B, Five Deez, Substantial, CL Smooth, Terry Callier, as well as British rapper Funky DL. He was also a member of the production duo Urbanforest, an experimental collaboration with Nao T. His track "Feather" drew attention from underground hip hop listeners.

Nujabes was one of the most prolific contributors to the background music and soundtracks of Samurai Champloo, an anime which blends a feudal Japan setting with modern anachronisms, especially in regard to hip hop culture.

A distinguishing feature of Nujabes' sound is his incorporation of Jazz samples in his tunes. For an example, the track "The Final View" on his album Metaphorical Music features the Jazz Standard "Love Theme From Spartacus" by Pianist Barry Harris, as played by Saxophonist Yusef Lateef, sampled over the track. Nujabes incorporates Lateef's head melody on oboe, cuts of his solos, and background piano comping in his piece.

On February 26, 2010, Jun Seba was involved in a traffic accident upon exiting the Shuto Expressway late at night. He died at a hospital in Shibuya Ward after failed efforts to revive him. He was 36 years old.
Spiritual Stale which was released in early December 2011, is a posthumous album of unreleased and unfinished tracks left to the caring hands of Nujabes friends and collaborators. And a beautiful closure to a truly original and understated artist it is!!!

Nujabes - Spiritual State (Album Teaser) by Daze the Interludist

Pink Martini & Saori Yuki - 1969 (2011)

Widely considered to be the “Barbara Streisand of Japan”, Saori Yuki released her debut album in Japan in 1969 and has gone on to make over 30 albums in her 42 year-career. Yuki discovered Pink Martini after the band covered her song “Taya Tan” for their 2007 album Hey Eugene! Most recently, Yuki sang a verse of “White Christmas” in Japanese for the band’s hit 2010 holiday album Joy To The World.

In honor of the year of her debut release, Saori Yuki partnered with Pink Martini and producer Thomas M. Lauderdale to create a loving tribute to the music released in 1969. Featuring Japanese pop hits alongside internationally recognized tunes like Jorge Ben's "Mas que nada" and "Puff the Magic Dragon", "1969" is a brilliant collaboration, with Thomas M. Lauderdale's magical arrangements, Pink Martini's stellar musicianship, and Saori Yuki's soaring vocals.

Quasimode - Magic Ensemble (2011)

Quasimode soar nicely on this great little set for Blue Note Japan - a record that draws on their many years in the club jazz scene, and finds a way to give their music even more focus than before! All the piano-driven grooves we've always loved are firmly in place - hard-rolling modal lines that step out boldly over acoustic bass and percussion - but this time around, the horns are even more prominent than before - some tight trumpet and tenor that both sound mighty nice, given some occasional string sweetening on a few cuts, but never in ways that dampen the highly rhythmic energy of the combo! Titles include album versions of "Whisky's High" and "Flyin To The Dark" - plus "Seven Colors", "Cosmic Eyes", "Lush Life", "Music Can Change The World", "Nahogoi Jumping", and "Ant Soldier".

Indigo Jam Unit - Roots (2010)

One of Japan's finest and most prolific bands return for their 6th long play in 5 years! Now we all know what a fantastic scene Japan has in what is very loosely called acid/club/future/contemporary/ you name it, anything goes ...jazz and Indigo Jam Unit are heading this coalition of joined Nippon forces with the likes of Quasimode, Mama!Milk, Montain Mocha Kilimanjaro, Soil & Pimp Sessions etc. "ROOTS" is another foray into dynamic as well as complex textures of modern jazz and with tracks such as Roots, Voyager and Mony Trick it might as well be their best effort yet!

OUT NOW ON BASIS RECORDS

Mountain Mocha Kilimanjaro - Uhuru Peak (2010)

The six-piece phenomenon, the nasty groove-making cats, the deep-dapping and history changing dogs call themselves the Mountain Mocha Kilimanjaro. Well dressed, slick but playing some of the rawest and deepest funk that would shake anyone's booty, and add that with furious energy of a rock and roll band , and you have these amazing gentlemen.

Akiko - What's Jazz: Style (2008)

Akiko's tribute to the "style" of jazz - soon followed by her "spirit" set - and a package that has far more substance than you might expect! The work's got a cool, classy sort of feel - older jazz modes handled with small group instrumentation that either features piano or organ in the lead, occasionally with a bit of horns, but usually just trio or quartet grooving behind Akiko's slinky vocals! The tunes are a mix of compelling covers and some even more surprising originals by Akiko - self-penned tunes that really stand out in the set, and make us love her talents even more than when she's just going for older American modes. Titles include "When Life Is Over", "Love Theme From Spartacus", "Ladies Love Mercedes", "Come Together", "Madly", and "What's Jazz".

Love Theme From Spartacus - Ladies Love Mercedes - Introducing How High The Moon

Quasimode - Daybreak (2009)

Amazing sounds from Quasimode -- one of the hardest-hitting, piano-driven combos you could ever hope to find! The album's their first full set of original work for Blue Note Japan, and it may well be their best set so far for the label -- a really massive batch of music that features the core quartet really riffing away, with some added horns to really enrich their sound! There's a deeply spiritual undercurrent to the tracks, thanks to the presence of heavy conga on most numbers, and bold use of classic modal jazz styles -- lots of 60s and 70s elements that lean heavy on the basslines, but also change things more into a Latin-modal approach, given even more focus on the congas here than before. Most tracks are instrumental, but two numbers feature vocals from China Moses, and one more from Wouter Hamel -- and as a special treat, Fabrizio Bosso also plays a bit of trumpet on the record.

august / mama!milk

Mama!Milk - Fragnance of Notes (2008)

Gilles Peterson WORLDWIDE Album of the Year

Sound that stops the moment and makes you wonder

mama!milk is by accordion player Yuko Ikoma and ContrabassKosuke Shimizu, they're based in the old city Kyoto and has beendoing a live at art museums, theater, cafe and even at a temple.
Their music are like a flame at the fireplace, burning quietly but not silently and burn the heart of people who listen to it. It's been a while since I have been facinated by their music.

Their new album 『Fragrance of Notes was released this summer after five years, the album is made with artists Tsutomu Kurihara (drums), Takeo Tohyama (piano) and also Gak Sato (Theremin) who worked at Right Tempo for more than 10years, and a lso Yuichi Ito (flute/trombone) as guest players.
The 14tracks or should I say 14piece of poems are like a picture scroll which will bring back some old and sweet memories. It reminded me a film the romantic three piece made by movie director Seijun Suzuki, this album is a masterpiece.

The sexy and beautiful sound of accordion will cross by to the cool contrabass as if it is trying to seduce and other instruments were smiling to hear that eroticism in that sound and fit in as well.Inner ecstasy comes out from that crossing and continues to stay regardless of time.

Text by Toshio Matsuura (Openers)

Official Page - MySpace page - On YouTube - LastFm page -

Once again TwistedJazz would like to thank Gilles Peterson and JAZZZIN for this. Opened our eyes into something magical yet again..

Monday Michiru

This is Monday Michiru blogging, one of the finest and most prolific jazz, pop and dance vocalists out there. Discover her latest work (from an exhaustive catalog of album releases and collaborations) called NEXUS and find out why she's TWISTEDJAZZ favourite for the last 10 years or so!

"I think the world has become less black and white and more about infinite shades which we as creators add to our palette, finding our own colors, harmonies and balance which best expresses our perspective and heart. I know I'm not black so I'm never going to pretend to be Stevie Wonder or Chaka Khan! I know I'm not Brazilian so I'm never going to pretend to be Flora Purim or Milton Nascimento! I know I'm not purely American so I'll never pretend to be Led Zeppelin! I'm not a Londoner, purely Japanese, African...I'm not a lot of things! What I AM though is a lover of music, a woman, a person who feels deeply, has compassion and sympathy, who loves to rock out sometimes or dig deep into hip hop, who is stimulated by jazz and great improvisation, who feels such beauty from classical and certain Brazilian chord structures, who is in awe of truths and dreams spoken by our poets, who feels the primeval pulse of chantings from African, American Indian or other tribal societies, who feels a certain recognition and interest in rhythms from across our vast but syncopated world...why must one be limited by the book cover we were assigned to at birth?

So I continue to find ingredients that I think work in harmony with others that I want to eat, hear, touch, see, wear, regardless of what preceded my time or is considered acceptable. The past is a map of where others have come from and should I want to revisit for reference, it helps and teaches me, but my future is yet unwritten and there's no right or wrong in my book when it comes to styles. "

Monday Michiru Official Site - MySpace Page - AMG entry -

Monday @ YouTube - Monday @ Last.Fm - Wikipedia Entry -