Toshiko Plays Toshiko – Toshiko Akiyoshi Quartet – LP – Pre Owned Vinyl (Arrives in 14days)

With ‘Toshiko Plays Toshiko,’ the Toshiko Akiyoshi Quartet delivers a striking testament to the restless creativity of one of jazz’s most original voices. Released in 1957, this album finds Akiyoshi not only interpreting standards, but presenting her own compositions—each brimming with melodic sophistication and rhythmic nuance. Akiyoshi’s command of the piano is unmistakable: her phrasing is deft, her touch alternately delicate and commanding, and her improvisational logic both lyrical and daring.

What sets this record apart is how it bridges East and West. Akiyoshi’s Japanese heritage subtly infuses her harmonic choices, giving these modern jazz forms a fresh, personal accent. The quartet’s interplay is superb, balancing technical brilliance with genuine warmth—a rare quality in the era’s hard-driving jazz scene. For collectors, ‘Toshiko Plays Toshiko’ is more than a document of an underappreciated master; it’s a vital chapter in the ongoing story of jazz as a global language. The album rewards repeated listening, continually revealing new layers of ingenuity and soul. Perfect for those eager to expand their collection beyond the familiar, this is jazz that invites curiosity and rewards close attention.

Track List:
A1 – Notrioius Tourist From The East –
A2 – Solioquy –
B1 – Hangin’ Loose –
B2 – Memory –
B3 – After Mr. Teng –