Rebirth of “TBM”: The Japanese Deep Jazz – Various Artists (Japan Vinyl 2LP)

Three Blind Mice revitalized the Japanese jazz scene during the 1970s and 1980s. Its initial mission was to proactively produce albums of new musicians. Another goal was to expand its fan base, which was done by releasing albums of famous musicians. Through these efforts, TBM has greatly contributed to enriching the Japanese jazz scene.

Tsuyoshi Yamamoto and Isao Suzuki were two of the leading figures who gained prominence by their works on TBM. Yamamoto quickly became a star in the Japanese jazz scene by releasing a series of excellent albums on the label.

The label was funded and established by passionate jazz fan, Takeshi Fujii. Its goal was to be the “Blue Note of Japan.” Recently, “Wa Jazz” (Japanese jazz) from the 1960s and 1970s has gained a lot of attention internationally, and Three Blind Mice is placed at the center of “Wa Jazz.”

TBM also showed its commitment to sound quality. With Blue Note as the role model, works by TBM were recorded in the best possible sound quality. Listening to the works of the label, you can get a clear picture of the Japanese jazz scene at that time. Fujii’s policy was to record the sound just the way musicians played, and not to get poised by commercialism. That is why TBM works created with the TBM spirit can withstand the hard times.

Disc 1 – Side A:

1. Derrick’s Dance – Teruo Nakamura Group
2. Nardis – Masabumi Kikuchi, Hideto Kanai, Masahiko Togashi

Disc 1 – Side B:

1. Tones For Joan’s Bones – Fumio Karashima Trio
2. A New Shade Of Blue – Naosuke Miyamoto Sextet
3. Sunset On The Street – Sunao Wada Quntet+1 featuring Minoru Ikeno

Disc 2 – Side C:

1. Feel Like Makin’ Love – Isao Suzuki Sextet
2. Sunday Thing- Toshiyuki Miyama & the New Herd
3. Lady T – Isoo Fukui Quartet featuring Kazuhiro Matsuishi

Disc 2 – Side D:

1. A Green Caterpillar – Masaru Imada Trio+2
2. Maiden Voyage – Tatsuya Takahashi & the Tokyo Union
3. Ain’t Nothin’ New Under The Sun – Ayako Hosokawa with Toshiyuki Miyama & the New Herd

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Compiled & supervised by DJ, producer and recording artist Tatsuo Sunaga (aka Sunaga T Experience)
Gatefold 2xLP with obi strip and liner notes in Japanese and English
Side A in mono / Side B in stereo