Let’s Swing Now – Hidehiko Matsumoto, Seiichi Nakamura, Kazuo Yashiro, Masanaga Harada, Shoji Nakayama – LP – Pre Owned Vinyl (Arrives in 14days)

“Let’s Swing Now” is an electrifying testament to the golden age of Japanese jazz, uniting five of the nation’s most respected musicians: saxophonists Hidehiko Matsumoto and Seiichi Nakamura, pianist Kazuo Yashiro, bassist Masanaga Harada, and drummer Shoji Nakayama. Recorded at a pivotal moment for Japanese jazz, this album captures the spontaneous fire of a world-class ensemble deeply fluent in the language of swing, yet eager to put their own stamp on the tradition.

Every track brims with kinetic interplay—the horns conversing in rapid-fire phrases, Yashiro’s piano darting between hard bop sophistication and bluesy grit, and the rhythm section driving forward with irresistible momentum. The album’s energy is palpable, but never overwrought; it’s the sound of artists deeply attuned to each other, each pushing the music forward while honoring the roots of jazz.

Collectors and jazz devotees will relish the album’s blend of technical prowess and spirited improvisation. “Let’s Swing Now” doesn’t just pay homage to American jazz—it reimagines it through a uniquely Japanese lens, making it an essential listen for anyone interested in the evolution of global jazz culture.

Track List:
A1 – Sleepy’s Bounce –
A2 – My Ship –
A3 – I Let You Get My Pillow –
B1 – Kogane Mushi –
B2 – There’ll Never Be Another You –
B3 – Sleepy’s Talk –