John Kaizan Neptune – Bamboo (Ltd Japan-pressed Green Vinyl LP)

Masayoshi Takanaka, Jun Fukamachi, and CASIOPEA, along with artists whose reputations at the time were largely confined to dedicated aficionados such as The Players, Himiko Kikuchi, and NORIKI, as well as acts regarded as avant-garde like Mariah and Ryo Kawasaki, are now all enjoying widespread popularity. It should still be fresh in memory that the compilation “CROSSOVER CITY,” a joint project by five major labels, was released and drew significant attention. A particularly notable trend in recent years is the growing interest in ambient- and techno-oriented works, as well as music listened to in a background-music-like manner, such as soundtracks. As the listener base has expanded significantly toward younger generations, preconceived notions surrounding crossover/fusion have collapsed, and the music is now being listened to more freely with new sensibilities. Reflecting this situation, the current lineup has been selected from Universal Music’s extensive catalog. Inevitably centered on titles that have not previously been released on analog or are rare items, the selection is limited to works that appear likely to see strong vinyl demand, including inbound demand. This is a limited first-press release. Each title is issued on colored vinyl that enhances the image of the jacket artwork. [Album Description] “Once again, Japanese crossover/fusion is hot!” As a development of, or spin-off phenomenon from, the global boom in the reappraisal of city pop, Japanese fusion has surged rapidly since around last year. This is an early representative work by shakuhachi player John Kaizan Neptune, an American who studied traditional Japanese music and continues to work in Japan. He holds the professional shakuhachi title “Kaizan” (Tozan-ryu school). While naturally performing traditional Japanese music, he also attempted a fusion of shakuhachi and jazz fusion, and this third album, “Bamboo,” received the Excellence Award at the Agency for Cultural Affairs Art Festival. It was the first such honor both as a jazz work and as a foreign artist. Although it was released nationwide in the United States at the time through New York-based Inner City Records, inbound demand has increased rapidly in recent years. The accompanying Arakawa Band is a fusion group led by jazz saxophonist Tatsuhiko Arakawa, who has performed with well-known big bands. (Original release: 1980.) Remastering and cutting: Katsutoshi Kitamura (Mixer’s Labo). Clear light-green vinyl.