They say you can't judge a book by its cover, and going by 'Jazz Rock',nor a record by its title. Though entering into jazz territory andfeaturing some distorted guitar, 'Jazz Rock' is more a beautifulmarriage of funky breakbeat drumming and spiritual jazzinstrumentation, combined with traditional Min'y music performed onthe koto and shakuhachi.
Originally released in 1973, the record sounds simultaneously vintageand contemporary. It is akin to something Madlib might dream up whilstlost in Japan collaborating with Min'y players at a recording session.The record features some amazing shakuhachi (bamboo flute) playing byHozan Yamamoto, which gives the music a haunting, dreamlike atmosphere.You can almost visualise the long grass blowing in the wind, and earthe bamboo rustling in the distance on a long hot summer's day. TakeshiInomata, Tadao Sawai and Kazue Sawai anchor the session. Takeshi'sexceptionally funky-drum work will almost certainly get some producersdusting off and firing up their MPC's. Whilst Kazue and Tadao worktheir magic on the koto (a traditional string instrument).Though certainly not an ambient record, 'Jazz-Rock' has the samemeditative, other-worldly quality that invites you to sit back, listenand be transported somewhere else. Unfortunately, until now the 'JazzRock' album is a scarcity that commanded a high price-tag only for themost hardened of record collectors. So it is pleasure to make it accessible to all, and we hope you dig this lost, obscure future classicas much as we do.
