Tales Of A Courtesan (Oirantan) – Toshiko Akiyoshi-Lew Tabackin Big Band – LP – Pre Owned Vinyl (Arrives in 14days)

Tales Of A Courtesan (Oirantan) stands as a milestone in jazz, crafted by the visionary Toshiko Akiyoshi and her dynamic ensemble co-led by saxophonist Lew Tabackin. Released in 1976, the album draws heavily from Akiyoshi’s Japanese heritage, weaving intricate melodies and storytelling with the unrestrained energy of an American big band. Each composition unravels like a suite, brimming with cultural motifs, bold brass arrangements, and moments of striking improvisation. The title track, for instance, conjures cinematic scenes with its shifting tempos and evocative textures, inviting listeners into a world both ancient and vibrantly modern. This album broke new ground by uniting Japanese musical idioms with the powerful drive of jazz orchestration—an approach that has since influenced generations of composers and arrangers. For collectors and curious listeners alike, this record is more than a showcase of virtuosic playing—it’s a living document of cross-cultural collaboration, imagination, and fearless artistry. If you value albums that challenge conventions while honoring tradition, Tales Of A Courtesan will occupy a special place in your collection.

Track List:
A1 – Road Time Shuffle – 6:25
A2 – Tales Of A Courtesan (Oirantan) – 9:09
A3 – Strive For Jive – 7:46
B1 – I Ain’t Gonna Ask No More – 6:06
B2 – Interlude – 4:13
B3 – Village – 11:04