WEWANTSOUNDS - Forced Exposure

$33.00 PREORDER RELEASE DATE: 7/4/2025

Wewantsounds continues its Algerian music reissue program with the release of Freh Khodja's sought-after 1975 LP, Ken Andi Habib. Recorded in Paris with Les Flammes, a group of immigrant musicians, the album is now reissued for the first time. Selected by Paris-based DJ Cheb Gero, who recently compiled the Sweet Rebels Rai set and curated the Abranis LP release for Wewantsounds, Ken Andi Habib is a masterful blend of Arabic music, jazz, Carribean/Latin grooves and funk. Featuring original artwork, audio remastered by Colorsound Studio, and a two-page insert with new liner notes (French/English) by Algerian journalist Rabah Mezouane. Originally released in 1975, Ken Andi Habib is an important document of North African music recorded during the 1970s. Born in 1949 in Sidi Bel Abbès, Algeria, Khodja developed an early passion for music, studying saxophone and theory before moving to Paris in 1968 to continue his training at the École Normale de Musique. Alongside his musical education, he experienced the difficult reality of immigrant life in France. In Paris, Khodja became a member of Les Flammes, a group composed largely of musicians from the African diaspora, particularly Cape Verde. With Les Flammes providing the musical backing and the vocal group El Salem handling background vocals, Khodja recorded Ken Andi Habib in 1975, in a Parisian studio. The album blends North African melodies with jazz, funk, and Caribbean influences, reflecting the diverse musical environment of the city at the time. Released by the Algerian label La Voix Du Globe, Ken Andi Habib was distributed mainly within North African immigrant communities in France and Algeria. While it received limited attention at the time of its release, it later became highly regarded among collectors and DJs interested in rare Arabic grooves and North African recordings. The album stands out for its synthesis of Arabic music with contemporary styles without losing its distinct identity. Rabah Mezouane places Khodja's work within the wider context of musical innovation by North African artists in France during the 1970s.

$29.50 PREORDER RELEASE DATE: 6/27/2025

Wewantsounds reissues Charles Kynard's 1972 cult classic Woga, recorded in Los Angeles for Mainstream Records and featuring top-tier musicians Chuck Rainey, Paul Humphrey, Arthur Adams, and George Bohanon. Produced by Bob Shad, the album stands as one of the label's funkiest releases, showcasing Kynard's signature Hammond organ grooves. Woga is reissued here on vinyl for the first time since its original release, complete with its original gatefold artwork using first-generation session photos. This edition comes with newly remastered audio plus a two-page insert featuring new liner notes by Kevin Le Gendre. Charles Kynard, born in St. Louis in 1933, passed away relatively young at the age of 46 in 1979. Despite a short career, he left a lasting impression on the international jazz-funk scene with a string of soul-jazz classics, culminating with Woga. Kynard began his professional career in St. Louis before relocating to Los Angeles in the early '60s, where he started recording for the Pacific Jazz label. There, he worked with renowned musicians such as Howard Roberts, Sonny Stitt, and Buddy Collette, releasing his debut album for the label in 1963. In 1971, Kynard joined Bob Shad's Mainstream Records and recorded three highly sought-after albums for the label, including Woga. Woga includes dynamic covers of contemporary soul hits such as Donny Hathaway's "Little Ghetto Boy," Aretha Franklin's "Rock Steady," and the Staple Singers' "Name the Missing Word," alongside deep-cut originals like the fiery "Hot Sauce," the laid-back "Lime Twig," and the explosive nine-minute jam "Slop Jar," featuring standout solos by trombonist George Bohanon, guitarist Arthur Adams, and trumpeter Jerome Rusch. This reissue also includes the bonus track "Smiling Faces Sometimes", a rendition of the Motown psychedelic soul hit by The Undisputed Truth. Recorded during the original Woga sessions, the track briefly surfaced on a low-profile compilation two years later. It features none other than the legendary Carol Kaye on bass.

$29.50 PREORDER RELEASE DATE: 6/13/2025

Wewantsounds reissues another Warda classic from the '70s, Wemalo, originally recorded in 1975 by the legendary Arabic Diva who has been sampled by Jay-Z and J Dilla. The album blends traditional Arabic music with 1970s grooves, showcasing Warda's distinct vocal style. She is accompanied by a full-sized orchestra, updating the classy traditional sound with modern instruments (electric guitar, organ). Wemalo was penned by composer Baligh Hamdi. This reissue features newly remastered audio, original cassette artwork and a two-page insert with a new introduction by Mario Choueiry from the Institut du Monde Arabe. Warda is widely regarded as one of the greatest divas of the Arab world with Oum Kalthoum and Fairuz. Born in the suburbs of Paris to an Algerian father and a Lebanese mother, she was discovered at the age of 11 by Ahmed Hachlaf, the head of A&R at Pathé Marconi in Paris specializing in Arabic music. She refined her singing skills at her father's cabaret in the Latin Quarter, Le Tam-Tam, and soon gained recognition in Arabic music circles. While in Lebanon, Warda was spotted by an Egyptian film producer who brought her to Cairo, where she began recording and acting in films. However, in the early 1960s, Warda stepped away from the music scene after marrying and settling in Algeria, dedicating herself to family life for nearly a decade. It wasn't until 1972, when Algerian President Houari Boumediene invited her to sing for the 10th anniversary of the country's independence, that she had an epiphany. She divorced and returned to Egypt, marking the beginning of a remarkable comeback. Wemalo ("So What") was recorded live in 1975, during the peak of her career. Partnering with her new husband, renowned composer Baligh Hamdi, she created a series of albums filled with lengthy, hypnotic compositions that showcased her commanding voice and ability to captivate audiences. Merging traditional Arabic music with modern instrumentation -- including electric guitar and organ (likely played by Hany Mehanna) -- the album unfolds into several mesmerizing sections, highlighting Warda's superb singing. Wemalo is one of her most rhythmically dynamic LPs, and remains highly regarded by collectors and Arabic music enthusiasts.

$29.50 PREORDER RELEASE DATE: 5/23/2025

Wewantsounds continues its Algerian music reissue program with the release of Les Abranis' coveted 1983 LP, Album No. 1. Originally recorded in Paris and privately pressed by the group, the album is now being reissued for the first time. Curated by Cheb Gero, who compiled the Sweet Rebels Rai set for Wewantsounds, Album No. 1 is a masterful blend of Kabyle grooves, funk, and hints of reggae. Also known as Id Ed Was, the album is reissued with its original artwork, remastered audio by Colorsound Studio in Paris, and a two-page insert with new liner notes (in French and English) by journalist Rabah Mezouane. The Kabyle group Les Abranis from Algeria has become one of the most sought-after bands on the global beat scene over the years. Founded in France in the late 1960s by two young Algerian Kabyle workers, Shamy El Vaz and Karim Abdenour, Les Abranis rose to prominence in the 1970s with their innovative sound, blending traditional Kabyle music with funk, rock, and psychedelic influences. Their lyrics, often sung in Kabyle, celebrate Amazigh identity and culture, making them a major influence on the North African music scene and beyond. Despite facing opposition from the country's authorities -- who viewed them as a societal threat due to their use of the Kabyle language instead of Arabic -- their popularity continued to grow. Throughout the 1970s, they released several albums, including the highly sought-after Les Abranis 1977, issued on the Paris-based Algerian label Disques Bordj El Phen. In 1983, the group entered Acousti Studio in Paris to record Album No. 1, featuring legendary French drummer André 'Dédé' Ceccarelli -- who played with artists ranging from Serge Gainsbourg to France Gall, as well as on numerous library music sessions with Janko Nilovic, Teddy Lasry, and Jacky Giordano -- alongside Tony Bonfils on bass. Album No. 1 showcases a superb range of sounds, from the reggae-infused cult track "Avehri" to the funk-driven "Achethkhi," and the irresistibly groovy instrumental "Thadoukli." Album No. 1 was originally self-released in 1983 and distributed exclusively within the Kabyle and Algerian communities in France and the Maghreb. Over time, it has become a sought-after LP among fans of Arabic music, as it was never reissued -- until now.

$36.50 PREORDER RELEASE DATE: 5/2/2025

LP version. Includes bonus 7". Wewantsounds continues its extensive Meiko Kaji reissue program -- in partnership with Teichiku Records and Kaji herself -- with the release of Yadokari, her third album from 1973. This marks the first time the album has been reissued on vinyl, featuring its original artwork and newly remastered audio. Renowned for her iconic 1970s films (Lady Snowblood, the Stray Cat Rock series) and admired by Quentin Tarantino, Meiko Kaji also released a string of outstanding albums on Teichiku, blending Japanese pop with cinematic grooves. Yadokari is reissued here with its original deluxe gatefold sleeve and OBI plus a two-page insert featuring new liner notes by Hashim Kotaro Bharoocha. As a special bonus, this edition includes an EP single featuring "Shura No Hana," famously featured on the Kill Bill soundtrack. Kaji was one of Japan's most iconic exploitation film actresses of the early 1970s. Beyond acting, she was invited by film studios to perform theme songs for many of her films leading to revered music career. Between 1972 and 1974, she recorded five albums for Teichiku, which have since become highly sought after. Yadokari ("hermit crab"), released in 1973, was Kaji's third album for the label. Like its predecessors Gincho Wataridori and Hajiki Uta, it offers a rich mix of kayōkyoku (Japanese pop), traditional enka, psychedelic rock, and cinematic '70s funk. The album includes two tracks, "Hagure Bushi" and "Kiba no Ballad," from the cult 1973 TV series Sengoku Rock Hagure Kiba, in which Kaji starred. "Hagure Bushi" stands out as one of the album's funkiest tracks. Like "Kiba no Ballad," it was composed and arranged by the legendary producer Yuji Ohno (best known for his work on Lupin the III). The album as a whole is a superb blend of atmospheric songs, from the haunting, slow-burning title track "Yadokari" to "Ah," which features groovy guitar licks, harmonica, and sleek string arrangements, evoking a subtle Morricone influence. To complete this reissue, Wewantsounds has included the rare 1973 7" EP "Shura No Hana/Hō Yare Ho" as a bonus. Only released as a single, "Shura No Hana" (Flower of Carnage") is a cult classic, famously featured on Quentin Tarantino's Kill Bill Vol. 2 soundtrack. A key release in Meiko Kaji's 1972 - 1974 Teichiku Records catalog, Yadokari is a testament to her singular talent as a singer.

$16.00 IN STOCK

Wewantsounds continues its extensive Meiko Kaji reissue program -- in partnership with Teichiku Records and Kaji herself -- with the release of Yadokari, her third album from 1973. This marks the first time the album has been reissued on vinyl, featuring its original artwork and newly remastered audio. Renowned for her iconic 1970s films (Lady Snowblood, the Stray Cat Rock series) and admired by Quentin Tarantino, Meiko Kaji also released a string of outstanding albums on Teichiku, blending Japanese pop with cinematic grooves. Yadokari is reissued here with its original deluxe gatefold sleeve and OBI plus a two-page insert featuring new liner notes by Hashim Kotaro Bharoocha. As a special bonus, this edition includes an EP single featuring "Shura No Hana," famously featured on the Kill Bill soundtrack. Kaji was one of Japan's most iconic exploitation film actresses of the early 1970s. Beyond acting, she was invited by film studios to perform theme songs for many of her films leading to revered music career. Between 1972 and 1974, she recorded five albums for Teichiku, which have since become highly sought after. Yadokari ("hermit crab"), released in 1973, was Kaji's third album for the label. Like its predecessors Gincho Wataridori and Hajiki Uta, it offers a rich mix of kayōkyoku (Japanese pop), traditional enka, psychedelic rock, and cinematic '70s funk. The album includes two tracks, "Hagure Bushi" and "Kiba no Ballad," from the cult 1973 TV series Sengoku Rock Hagure Kiba, in which Kaji starred. "Hagure Bushi" stands out as one of the album's funkiest tracks. Like "Kiba no Ballad," it was composed and arranged by the legendary producer Yuji Ohno (best known for his work on Lupin the III). The album as a whole is a superb blend of atmospheric songs, from the haunting, slow-burning title track "Yadokari" to "Ah," which features groovy guitar licks, harmonica, and sleek string arrangements, evoking a subtle Morricone influence. To complete this reissue, Wewantsounds has included the rare 1973 7" EP "Shura No Hana/Hō Yare Ho" as a bonus. Only released as a single, "Shura No Hana" (Flower of Carnage") is a cult classic, famously featured on Quentin Tarantino's Kill Bill Vol. 2 soundtrack. A key release in Meiko Kaji's 1972 - 1974 Teichiku Records catalog, Yadokari is a testament to her singular talent as a singer.

$29.50 IN STOCK

Wewantsounds presents the reissue of Sho-Nuff's highly sought-after album Body Pressure from 1983. Recorded for Japanese label King Records, the album was only ever released in Japan and disappeared without trace making it one of the most coveted modern soul/boogie albums on the international collectors scene. Mixing funk and boogie with a few juicy ballads for good measure, Body Pressure is a superb album that lives up to its reputation, hence the hefty price tag for an original. The audio was remastered in Tokyo by King from the master tapes and the album is reissued here with its original artwork and OBI for the first time since 1983 with new liner notes by Charles Waring. Sextet Sho-Nuff, who hailed from Jackson, Mississippi were formed in the mid-seventies. They started creating a stir on the local music scene before signing with Stax and releasing their debut album in 1978. After this first album which sold modestly, the group went on to sign with local label Malaco Records and released two further high-quality albums, Tonite in 1980 followed by Stand Up For Love in 1982. In the process they began making waves outside of the US especially on the Japanese market. There they toured regularly leading to their signing a deal with King Records in Tokyo for an album to be released on their sub label Constellation. The album, Body Pressure was duly recorded adding Japanese jazz funk guitarist Takao Naoi (who played with Akira Ishikawa and Yuji Ohno among many others) and was released in Japan in 1983. The album was never released outside of Japan, making it one of the rarest '80s soul albums on the international scene. A superb mix of styles, the album kicks off with the title track "Body Pressure", a fast-paced horn-driven funk setting the mood, followed by "Yakki ! Yakki!" a tongue-in-cheek ode to Japanese culture served in a groovy mid-tempo style. The album then alternates between the hard funk of "Monster Monster" featuring Takao Naoi's slick jazzy guitar opening solo and "Hollywood" and the languid synth modern soul of "Hold On For Love" one of the many highlights of the album. Another mid tempo Soul gem "Don't Keep Me Waiting" that wasn't on the original 1983 album, was added to this reissue as a bonus track.

$16.00 IN STOCK

Wewantsounds presents Dibango 82, an unreleased live recording by Manu Dibango taped in Marseille, December 1982. The electrifying live concert features the African legend alongside his stellar eight-piece group, blending funk, jazz, and African rhythms. Highlights include "Africa Boogie" and "Waka Juju." This album, released in partnership with INA and Soul Makossa, Dibango's label, captures the African legend at the top of his game. Remastered from the original tapes with liner notes by Graeme Ewens and concert organizer Christian Ducasse, it features a front cover photo by key African Paris-based photographer Bill Akwa Bétotè. Manu Dibango, who passed away in 2020 at 86, is one of the most celebrated African musicians alongside Fela, Miriam Makeba, and Youssou N'dour. In a career spanning six decades, Dibango revolutionized African music and had a worldwide hit in the process in the form "Soul Makossa" in 1972. This live album, recorded during a French tour in 1982 came at a critical time when France, after the election of Francois Mitterrand, was embracing its multi-ethnic sensitivity. Through the rise of FM radios such as Radio Nova, an offshoot of cult magazine Actuel, the French music scene suddenly got much more opened. The "Sono Mondiale" as Nova would call World music, was born. Organized by French producer Martin Meissonnier, the sold-out tour created a stir in France bringing together two legends, Manu Dibango and his group plus iconic jazz traveler Don Cherry, whom Meissonnier had closely worked with in the late '70s. Captured on December 22, 1982, at the Théâtre La Criée in Marseille, Dibango 82 delivers an electrifying concert of African rhythms, jazz, and funk mastery, with a pinch of Latin music, led by Dibango accompanied by a stellar ensemble of musicians: Congolese guitarist Jerry "Bokilo" Malekani, drummer Brice Wassy, percussionist Valery Lobe, three of his most trusted partners, together with Jean-Pierre Coco on percussion, Hary Gofin on bass, pianist Del Rabenja from Madagascar and two superb background singers, Florence 'Titty' Dimbeng and Sissy Dipoko. The audio from the French INA archives has been remastered from master tapes and the album's liner notes are augmented by an introduction from French photographer Christian Ducasse who organized the concert. Last but not least the front cover features a superb shot by cult Paris-based Bill Akwa Bétotè who documented the Paris '80s African music scene making Dibango 82 an event for all Manu Dibango and African music fans.

$29.50 IN STOCK

Wewantsounds presents the release of Sweet Rebels: The Golden Era of Algerian Pop-Raï, selected in Paris by Cheb Gero. The set features the raw energy of the Algerian Raï scene from the '80s and early '90s and its young stars Cheb Zahouani, Chaba Zohra, and Abderrahmane Djalti. Newly remastered and including liner notes from Raï authority Rabah Mezouane, the compilation brings together eight cassette tracks from the electrifying period when Raï music was evolving from a more traditional sound to the mesmerizing electro funk sound of the '80s. Raï music was born in the seedy parts of Oran, the port city north-west of Algeria, during the 20th century. Mixing elements of Arabic music and western influences, the music was raw and urban emanating from the cabarets and nightclubs of the city. Mainly performed by female singers such as Cheikha Rimitti and Cheikha Djenia, Raï songs would talk about love and social hardship in direct and often crude ways. The style evolved after the war and it was revolutionized in the 1980s by a new wave of singers who infused their sound with synthesizers and drum machines to instill tough messages of youth rebellion, political criticism, and heartbreak. Mainly released on cassette by street vendors in Algeria during the '80s, Rai rapidly spread among the youth. It became a phenomenon which soon spread beyond North Africa, led by the crossover success of Cheb Khaled. Sweet Rebels gives an insight into the genre's ecstatic electro sound, showcasing a unique cultural moment, where creativity and resistance connected to form a vibrant trend. Compiled by DJ Cheb Gero, Sweet Rebels includes cult, sought-after tracks released on cassette by the label Oriental Music Production and features the best exponents of the genre, such as Cheikha Djenia El K'bira, Cheb Zahouani, Cheb Abdelhak, Chaba Amina, and Chaba Zohra. Most of the tracks here make their vinyl debut and Wewantsounds -- following its releases from Lebanon and Egypt, is delighted to continues its exploration of Arabic music by digging into the fascinating Algerian Raï heritage.

$16.00 IN STOCK

Wewantsounds presents the sought-after soundtrack for cult 1980 French film Clara Et Les Chics Types, featuring Isabelle Adjani, Daniel Auteuil, and the Splendid troupe actors. The jazz-funk soundtrack, composed by Michel Jonasz and featuring Manu Katché and Sylvin Marc, has never been reissued since 1980. Remastered from the original master tapes, the release includes two never-released bonus tracks and a four-page booklet with liner notes by French music expert and musician Guido Minisky (also a member of Acid Arab) who interviewed Michel Jonasz and actor Christophe Bourseiller for the occasion. A gifted singer songwriter, Jonasz had had a few hits in the '70s and had also teamed up with Gabriel Yared to write a couple of albums for Francoise Hardy, Musique Saoule (1978) and Gin Tonic (1979). This was the background that saw the film Clara Et Les Chics Types come together. The brainchild of famed screenwriter Jean-Loup Dabadie who had risen to fame screenwriting smash hits for directors Claude Sautet and Yves Robert in the '70s, the bittersweet comedy followed a group of friends who have an amateur group dealing with the vicissitudes of everyday life at the dawn of the '80s. For the soundtrack, Michel Jonasz was hired and gathered some of the best session musicians including drummer Manu Katché (in one of his first sessions) and bassist Sylvin Marc (who had recorded a couple of albums for Jef Gilson's Palm label in the early '70s). Together they weaved a mainly instrumental blend of jazz funk, reggae, and pop which matched the narrative perfectly. Although all the ingredients were there for a success, the film unfortunately stalled and so did the soundtrack. Jonasz went on to become a huge star in France shortly after, but strangely, the Clara soundtrack was never reissued, not even on CD. Teaming up with the artist and Warner Music France, Wewantsounds has dug out the original master tapes to reissue the album including two bonus tracks. The audio has been remastered by Colorsound in Paris.

$29.50 IN STOCK

LP version. Wewantsounds presents Dibango 82, an unreleased live recording by Manu Dibango taped in Marseille, December 1982. The electrifying live concert features the African legend alongside his stellar eight-piece group, blending funk, jazz, and African rhythms. Highlights include "Africa Boogie" and "Waka Juju." This album, released in partnership with INA and Soul Makossa, Dibango's label, captures the African legend at the top of his game. Remastered from the original tapes with liner notes by Graeme Ewens and concert organizer Christian Ducasse, it features a front cover photo by key African Paris-based photographer Bill Akwa Bétotè. Manu Dibango, who passed away in 2020 at 86, is one of the most celebrated African musicians alongside Fela, Miriam Makeba, and Youssou N'dour. In a career spanning six decades, Dibango revolutionized African music and had a worldwide hit in the process in the form "Soul Makossa" in 1972. This live album, recorded during a French tour in 1982 came at a critical time when France, after the election of Francois Mitterrand, was embracing its multi-ethnic sensitivity. Through the rise of FM radios such as Radio Nova, an offshoot of cult magazine Actuel, the French music scene suddenly got much more opened. The "Sono Mondiale" as Nova would call World music, was born. Organized by French producer Martin Meissonnier, the sold-out tour created a stir in France bringing together two legends, Manu Dibango and his group plus iconic jazz traveler Don Cherry, whom Meissonnier had closely worked with in the late '70s. Captured on December 22, 1982, at the Théâtre La Criée in Marseille, Dibango 82 delivers an electrifying concert of African rhythms, jazz, and funk mastery, with a pinch of Latin music, led by Dibango accompanied by a stellar ensemble of musicians: Congolese guitarist Jerry "Bokilo" Malekani, drummer Brice Wassy, percussionist Valery Lobe, three of his most trusted partners, together with Jean-Pierre Coco on percussion, Hary Gofin on bass, pianist Del Rabenja from Madagascar and two superb background singers, Florence 'Titty' Dimbeng and Sissy Dipoko. The audio from the French INA archives has been remastered from master tapes and the album's liner notes are augmented by an introduction from French photographer Christian Ducasse who organized the concert. Last but not least the front cover features a superb shot by cult Paris-based Bill Akwa Bétotè who documented the Paris '80s African music scene making Dibango 82 an event for all Manu Dibango and African music fans.

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Following the success of the Tokyo Glow and Funk Tide sets, Wewantsounds once again teams up with Tokyo-based DJ Notoya for a breezy selection of funk and boogie recorded in Japan for King Records in the '70s and '80s. Most tracks here are making their debut on vinyl outside of Japan and the album, like its predecessors, has been designed by Optigram's Manuel Sepulveda and is annotated by DJ Notoya. The audio has been newly mastered in Tokyo by King Records and remastered for vinyl by Colorsound in Paris. For Tokyo Bliss, Japanese Funk expert DJ Notoya has picked a diverse selection of great funk, boogie and city pop tracks recorded between 1974 and 1988 for King Records, one of the most venerable record labels in Japan. These tracks -- which are in demand on the Japanese groove scene -- are mostly new to international ears and showcase the breadth and quality of Nippon music recorded during the '70s and '80s. The selection kicks off with the group Buzz, a folk duet formed in the early '70s by Hiroshi Koide and Masakazu Togo who released a handful of albums for King during the '70s. The track "Garasumado" (Glass Window) is from the 1974 album Requiem The City which was produced by Nobuyuki Takahashi, the older brother of future YMO superstar Yukihiro Takahashi. At the time both were members of cult group Sadistic Mika Band. Next comes the synth boogie sound of singer Mami Ayukawa, who was active on the Japanese music scene in the mid-'80s, followed by drummer Johnny Yoshinaga's 1978 hard funk "The Rain" featuring great keyboards action from Hiroyuki Namba, one of Tatsuro Yamashita's key musicians. Keiko Toda's mid-tempo delight "Fade In" was released in 1983 and adds a touch of class to the ensemble with its languid rhythm and synth riffs. The rest of Tokyo Bliss alternate between the stylish funk-folk floater "Bokura no Date" by Koji Kobayashi from 1978 and the '80s funk bomb "Your Love's Away" by Kumiko Sawada, produced by prolific guitarist Kazuo Takeda with his group Creation, who is backing Sawada here. The selection closes with the superb Moog and Fender Rhodes-led space funk instrumental "Paper Machine" released in 1977 by Fujimaru Band and which ends the set on a perfect note.

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Wewantsounds reissues Roy Haynes' 1971 LP Hip Ensemble, recorded in New York for Bob Shad's Mainstream Records and featuring Hannibal Marvin Peterson, George Adams, Teruo Nakamura, and Lawrence Killian. Together the musicians create a superb mix of jazz funk and spiritual jazz showcasing Haynes powerful drumming and creativity. Hip Ensemble is presented in its original gatefold artwork with first generation photos and includes the bonus track "Roy's Tune." It comes with newly remastered audio and a two-page insert featuring new liner notes by Kevin Le Gendre. Roy Haynes, who passed at age 99, is one of the undisputed giants of jazz. Born in Roxbury, Massachusetts in 1925, Haynes started drumming during his teenage years before moving to New York in 1945 where his career took off. He went on to play with the likes of Charlie Parker, Miles Davis, and Lester Young, becoming an institution over the decades. In the late '60s, after a stint with the John Coltrane's quartet, he put together the Hip Ensemble, a small group featuring the young turks George Adams on sax, Hannibal Marvin Peterson on trumpet, Japanese bass player Teruo Nakamura, Lawrence Killian on percussion together with German pianist Carl Schroeder on Fender Rhodes. Bob Shad, who had worked with Haynes in the '50s when he was running EmArcy, saw the group live in New York one night and decided to sign them on his label Mainstream Records as he was starting to produce jazz again after a few years releasing psychedelic rock. His idea was to plug into the new modal and jazz-funk scenes that was flourishing at the time and Haynes was also experimenting with. The album Hip Ensemble reflects this new direction with a superb mix of spiritual jazz. Complementing the group for this session were Mervin Bronson, adding a touch of Fender bass and a second percussionist, Elwood Johnson. "Roy's Tune" has been added as a bonus track, which was recorded at the same session but not included on the original album -- it briefly came out on a low-key Mainstream compilation two years after. The track is another fascinating breakbeat that has strangely never been sampled. Hip Ensemble has been remastered for vinyl by Colorsound Studio in Paris and is a timely reminder that Haynes is one of the greatest jazz drummers of all times.

$31.50 IN STOCK

Wewantsounds presents the reissue of Ammar El Sherei's sought-after instrumental album Music From The East from 1976. Here, the iconic Egyptian musician and composer revisits seven classic compositions by another Egyptian legend, Mohamed Abdel Wahab, in his own hypnotic way. Mixing Arabic music with funky arrangements and electric keyboard experimentations, the album is a perfect showcase for El Sherei's artistry. Curated and annotated by Lebanese-born Arabic music expert Mario Choueiry from Institut du Monde Arabe in Paris, this reissue has been newly remastered and comes with original Soutelphan artwork. Musician and composer Ammar El Sherei (1948-2012) is a giant of Egyptian music. Born in Upper Egypt in 1948 into an upper middle-class family (his grandfather was MP during King Fouad's reign and his eldest brother became the Egyptian ambassador to Australia), El Sherei attended a special school for the blind in Cairo (he lost his eyesight in his early childhood). He got noticed by his teachers there who recommended him to the Hadley School for the Blind in America so he could perfect his studies through a correspondence course. Thanks to this, he quickly learnt piano, oud and composition. Once his studies completed, El Sherei began playing in various Cairo bars and clubs and quickly made a name for himself on the Cairo music scene. He also started writing songs for many established Egyptian artists and quickly rose to fame, becoming one of the most sought-after composers for films and TV series. In 1976, El Sherei signed to leading Egyptian label Soutelphan and recorded Music from the East, an homage to the leading Egyptian composer Mohamed Abdel Wahab. On the album, El Sherei masterfully interprets classics from Abdel Wahab including "Enta Enta," "El Kamh El Leila," and "Balad El Mahob." With the help of innovative keyboards of the time, such as the Steelphon S900 or the Farfisa (as seen on the album cover), El Sherei creates hypnotic instrumentals that blend traditional Arabic melodies with jazz, funk and groove. Popular with vinyl collectors and diggers alike, Music from the East is a sought-after gem on the international Arabic Funk scene.

$31.50 NOT IN STOCK

Wewantsounds presents the release of Al-Qasar's new album, Uncovered, a side-project from the group featuring covers from the Western and Arabic repertoires, as well as new originals composed by the group. The album was recorded in Europe and Africa and features guest appearances by Alsarah, Mamani Keita, Cheick Tidiane Seck, and Sami Galbi. Al-Qasar's new album keeps exploring diverse sounds from around the world. One says there's nothing like the original. But when the psychedelic collective tackles such a Depeche Mode classic as "Personal Jesus," you know you're in for a brain-melting, transcontinental journey. The lyrics are in Turkish, and the song's iconic riffs are played on electric saz. The cast is mouth-watering, with studio wizard Thomas Attar producing, playing guitar and saz and Turkish artist Sibel on vocals. "Promises," the second single, is an Afro-futuristic heavy-psych track sung in Bambara which features Malian singer Mamani Keita (who played with Salif Keita) on vocals and the revered "Black Buddah," Cheick Tidiane Seck (Gorillaz, Black Eyed Peas, Santana) on keyboards and backing vocals. On drums you've got Souleymane Ibrahim (from the Tuareg group Mdou Moctar) who unleashes a powerful beat. The rest of the album is sizzling and features Swiss-Morrocan Rai rising star Sami Galbi, Sudanese singer Alsarah, Tunisian virtuoso oud player Nada Mahmoud and Sufi singer Mariam Hamrouni. Produced by Thomas Attar who also plays guitars and synths, Uncovered has been recorded between Tunis, Lisbon, Bamako and Paris and is enhanced by Matt Hyde's warm and massive mix which will enthrall all the group's fans.

$31.50 IN STOCK

LP version. Wewantsounds presents the sought-after soundtrack for cult 1980 French film Clara Et Les Chics Types, featuring Isabelle Adjani, Daniel Auteuil, and the Splendid troupe actors. The jazz-funk soundtrack, composed by Michel Jonasz and featuring Manu Katché and Sylvin Marc, has never been reissued since 1980. Remastered from the original master tapes, the release includes two never-released bonus tracks and a four-page booklet with liner notes by French music expert and musician Guido Minisky (also a member of Acid Arab) who interviewed Michel Jonasz and actor Christophe Bourseiller for the occasion. A gifted singer songwriter, Jonasz had had a few hits in the '70s and had also teamed up with Gabriel Yared to write a couple of albums for Francoise Hardy, Musique Saoule (1978) and Gin Tonic (1979). This was the background that saw the film Clara Et Les Chics Types come together. The brainchild of famed screenwriter Jean-Loup Dabadie who had risen to fame screenwriting smash hits for directors Claude Sautet and Yves Robert in the '70s, the bittersweet comedy followed a group of friends who have an amateur group dealing with the vicissitudes of everyday life at the dawn of the '80s. For the soundtrack, Michel Jonasz was hired and gathered some of the best session musicians including drummer Manu Katché (in one of his first sessions) and bassist Sylvin Marc (who had recorded a couple of albums for Jef Gilson's Palm label in the early '70s). Together they weaved a mainly instrumental blend of jazz funk, reggae, and pop which matched the narrative perfectly. Although all the ingredients were there for a success, the film unfortunately stalled and so did the soundtrack. Jonasz went on to become a huge star in France shortly after, but strangely, the Clara soundtrack was never reissued, not even on CD. Teaming up with the artist and Warner Music France, Wewantsounds has dug out the original master tapes to reissue the album including two bonus tracks. The audio has been remastered by Colorsound in Paris.

$31.50 NOT IN STOCK

LP version. Following the success of the Tokyo Glow and Funk Tide sets, Wewantsounds once again teams up with Tokyo-based DJ Notoya for a breezy selection of funk and boogie recorded in Japan for King Records in the '70s and '80s. Most tracks here are making their debut on vinyl outside of Japan and the album, like its predecessors, has been designed by Optigram's Manuel Sepulveda and is annotated by DJ Notoya. The audio has been newly mastered in Tokyo by King Records and remastered for vinyl by Colorsound in Paris. For Tokyo Bliss, Japanese Funk expert DJ Notoya has picked a diverse selection of great funk, boogie and city pop tracks recorded between 1974 and 1988 for King Records, one of the most venerable record labels in Japan. These tracks -- which are in demand on the Japanese groove scene -- are mostly new to international ears and showcase the breadth and quality of Nippon music recorded during the '70s and '80s. The selection kicks off with the group Buzz, a folk duet formed in the early '70s by Hiroshi Koide and Masakazu Togo who released a handful of albums for King during the '70s. The track "Garasumado" (Glass Window) is from the 1974 album Requiem The City which was produced by Nobuyuki Takahashi, the older brother of future YMO superstar Yukihiro Takahashi. At the time both were members of cult group Sadistic Mika Band. Next comes the synth boogie sound of singer Mami Ayukawa, who was active on the Japanese music scene in the mid-'80s, followed by drummer Johnny Yoshinaga's 1978 hard funk "The Rain" featuring great keyboards action from Hiroyuki Namba, one of Tatsuro Yamashita's key musicians. Keiko Toda's mid-tempo delight "Fade In" was released in 1983 and adds a touch of class to the ensemble with its languid rhythm and synth riffs. The rest of Tokyo Bliss alternate between the stylish funk-folk floater "Bokura no Date" by Koji Kobayashi from 1978 and the '80s funk bomb "Your Love's Away" by Kumiko Sawada, produced by prolific guitarist Kazuo Takeda with his group Creation, who is backing Sawada here. The selection closes with the superb Moog and Fender Rhodes-led space funk instrumental "Paper Machine" released in 1977 by Fujimaru Band and which ends the set on a perfect note.

$16.00 IN STOCK

Wewantsounds presents the release of one of Japan's most coveted albums of the '70s, Mangekyou by singer-songwriter Yoshiko Sai. Produced in 1975 by Master musician Yuji Ohno, the album features Yoshiko Sai's superbly crafted songs and crystal-clear voice over Ohno's lush, funky sound and breezy arrangements. A strong buzz has been growing around the album over the years and original copies now change hands for large sums of money. This is the first time Mangekyou is available outside of Japan, featuring remastered audio, original artwork and a four-page insert including new liner notes by Paul Bowler. Yoshiko Sai holds a unique status in the Japanese music landscape. The Japanese singer songwriter made a strong impression with her blend of ethereal melodies, poetic lyrics and crystalline singing. A private, almost enigmatic artist, Sai only made four highly praised albums during the '70s and all but retired from the music industry in 1979, which adds to the mystic surrounding her persona. Only thanks to the persistence of Japanese guitarist Jojo Hiroshige from the noise group Hijokaidan did she come out of retirement to record new material in the 2000s. She was originally noticed by key record labels and swiftly signed to Black Records/Teichiku. This led to the recording of Mangekyou ("Kaleidoscope"), in the Spring of 1975. While she penned all the material for Mangekyou, the arrangements were assigned to Ace producer Yuji Ohno, one of the top arrangers in Tokyo at the time. Ohno helped craft the album's superb funk sound and also played keyboards. The album displays Sai's unique craftmanship when it comes to songwriting and alternates between mid and up-tempo songs such as "Yoru No Sei" (Night Spirit) and "Fuyu No Chikadou" (Winter Underpass) and more atmospheric ballads such as "Tsubaki Wa Ochita Kaya" (Did The Camellia Fall?) or "Yukionna" (Snow Woman). It's worth noting Ohno blended his rich arrangements with elements of Japanese traditional music, with the use of such instruments as the Shakuhachi (bamboo flute), Tsuzumi (hand drum), and Biwa (wooden lute), giving the music its unique twist. All in all, listening to Mangekyou is a unique experience and it's easy to see why the album and Yoshiko Sai garnered such a cult following over the years.

$31.50 IN STOCK

LP version. Wewantsounds presents the release of one of Japan's most coveted albums of the '70s, Mangekyou by singer-songwriter Yoshiko Sai. Produced in 1975 by Master musician Yuji Ohno, the album features Yoshiko Sai's superbly crafted songs and crystal-clear voice over Ohno's lush, funky sound and breezy arrangements. A strong buzz has been growing around the album over the years and original copies now change hands for large sums of money. This is the first time Mangekyou is available outside of Japan, featuring remastered audio, original artwork and a four-page insert including new liner notes by Paul Bowler. Yoshiko Sai holds a unique status in the Japanese music landscape. The Japanese singer songwriter made a strong impression with her blend of ethereal melodies, poetic lyrics and crystalline singing. A private, almost enigmatic artist, Sai only made four highly praised albums during the '70s and all but retired from the music industry in 1979, which adds to the mystic surrounding her persona. Only thanks to the persistence of Japanese guitarist Jojo Hiroshige from the noise group Hijokaidan did she come out of retirement to record new material in the 2000s. She was originally noticed by key record labels and swiftly signed to Black Records/Teichiku. This led to the recording of Mangekyou ("Kaleidoscope"), in the Spring of 1975. While she penned all the material for Mangekyou, the arrangements were assigned to Ace producer Yuji Ohno, one of the top arrangers in Tokyo at the time. Ohno helped craft the album's superb funk sound and also played keyboards. The album displays Sai's unique craftmanship when it comes to songwriting and alternates between mid and up-tempo songs such as "Yoru No Sei" (Night Spirit) and "Fuyu No Chikadou" (Winter Underpass) and more atmospheric ballads such as "Tsubaki Wa Ochita Kaya" (Did The Camellia Fall?) or "Yukionna" (Snow Woman). It's worth noting Ohno blended his rich arrangements with elements of Japanese traditional music, with the use of such instruments as the Shakuhachi (bamboo flute), Tsuzumi (hand drum), and Biwa (wooden lute), giving the music its unique twist. All in all, listening to Mangekyou is a unique experience and it's easy to see why the album and Yoshiko Sai garnered such a cult following over the years.

$16.00 IN STOCK

Wewantsounds presents Ryuichi Sakamoto's classic LP Coda, issued in Japan in 1983 as a solo piano version of the Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence soundtrack. The album, which has never been released outside of Japan until now, sees Sakamoto on acoustic piano reinterpreting fascinating versions of his famous soundtrack including the classic theme and "Germination," which was later used in the Call Me By Your Name soundtrack. This reissue has been remastered by Seigen Ono's Saidera Mastering studio in Tokyo and boasts the original artwork plus a four-page insert with new liner notes by Andy Beta. When the film Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence hit the cinema in Summer 1983, it was a worldwide instant success, due in no small parts to its renowned director, Nagisa Oshima, and to its superb cast including David Bowie, Takeshi Kitano, and Ryuichi Sakamoto. The latter, fresh from his success with Yellow Magic Orchestra and a thriving nascent solo career, was also enrolled to compose the score of the film. The soundtrack was released at the same time as the film in summer 1983. It became equally successful and made the Japanese composer a global icon as the instrumental theme became an instant classic all around the world and also Sakamoto's signature track from then on. That same year, his Japanese label decided to release an exclusive cassette book as the format was getting popular in Japan. The project, called Avec Piano, featured an audio cassette together with a beautiful 80-page book including illustrations and texts by various designers and writers. As for the music, Sakamoto re-recorded the Merry Christmas soundtrack on solo piano at the Onkyo Haus studio in Tokyo. This version of the theme which Sakamoto would re-record many times, is therefore the first ever recorded solo piano version of the composition. The cassette book's success led to an LP release a few months later under a new title, Coda, and with a different artwork by Japanese designer Tsuguya Inoue. The original orchestrated theme "Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence" was dropped, replaced by two new tracks, "Japan" and "Coda," recorded a couple of years earlier in 1981 and featuring Ryuichi Sakamoto's blend of ethereal ambient soundscapes and modern electronics. Coda is quintessential Ryuichi Sakamoto and an essential album in the Japanese composer's discography.

$31.50 IN STOCK

LP version. Wewantsounds presents Ryuichi Sakamoto's classic LP Coda, issued in Japan in 1983 as a solo piano version of the Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence soundtrack. The album, which has never been released outside of Japan until now, sees Sakamoto on acoustic piano reinterpreting fascinating versions of his famous soundtrack including the classic theme and "Germination," which was later used in the Call Me By Your Name soundtrack. This reissue has been remastered by Seigen Ono's Saidera Mastering studio in Tokyo and boasts the original artwork plus a four-page insert with new liner notes by Andy Beta. When the film Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence hit the cinema in Summer 1983, it was a worldwide instant success, due in no small parts to its renowned director, Nagisa Oshima, and to its superb cast including David Bowie, Takeshi Kitano, and Ryuichi Sakamoto. The latter, fresh from his success with Yellow Magic Orchestra and a thriving nascent solo career, was also enrolled to compose the score of the film. The soundtrack was released at the same time as the film in summer 1983. It became equally successful and made the Japanese composer a global icon as the instrumental theme became an instant classic all around the world and also Sakamoto's signature track from then on. That same year, his Japanese label decided to release an exclusive cassette book as the format was getting popular in Japan. The project, called Avec Piano, featured an audio cassette together with a beautiful 80-page book including illustrations and texts by various designers and writers. As for the music, Sakamoto re-recorded the Merry Christmas soundtrack on solo piano at the Onkyo Haus studio in Tokyo. This version of the theme which Sakamoto would re-record many times, is therefore the first ever recorded solo piano version of the composition. The cassette book's success led to an LP release a few months later under a new title, Coda, and with a different artwork by Japanese designer Tsuguya Inoue. The original orchestrated theme "Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence" was dropped, replaced by two new tracks, "Japan" and "Coda," recorded a couple of years earlier in 1981 and featuring Ryuichi Sakamoto's blend of ethereal ambient soundscapes and modern electronics. Coda is quintessential Ryuichi Sakamoto and an essential album in the Japanese composer's discography.

$33.00 IN STOCK

LP version. Wewantsounds presents the release of BAG's first album since 1973, For Peace and Liberty, recorded in Paris in Dec. 1972 when the musicians had recently arrived from St Louis. BAG only released one album during their existence. This long-lost performance, recorded at Maison de l'ORTF in optimal conditions just a few months previously, was thought lost until recently unearthed from the vaults of INA (Institut National de l'Audiovisuel). Here the group unleashes an incandescent 35-minute set mixing free improvisation and spiritual jazz with funk grooves. Released in partnership with the band and INA, the album features sound remastered from the original tapes, plus a 20-page booklet featuring words by Oliver Lake, Joseph Bowie, and Baikida Carroll plus Bobo Shaw's and Floyd LeFlore's daughters as well as extensive liner notes by BAG scholar Benjamin Looker and previously unseen photos by cult French photographer Philippe Gras. The Black Artist Group (BAG) was founded in St Louis, USA, in 1968 to promote local artists from the burgeoning Black Arts movement, including musicians, playwrights, dancers and poets. The BAG quintet heard here pulled together key musicians from the larger organization, including Oliver Lake on sax, Baikida Carroll, and Floyd LeFlore on trumpet, Joseph Bowie on trombone and Charles 'Bobo' Shaw on drums. The musicians emerged from the organization to become a vital force within the late '60s free jazz revolution. Modelled on the AACM and the Art Ensemble of Chicago with whom they had close ties, this subset of BAG musicians followed in the footsteps of their Chicago colleagues, relocating to Paris in the early '70s on the recommendation of Lester Bowie, Joseph's older brother. Arriving in the French capital in Oct. 1972 the group made an instant impact on its underground music scene. In December of that year, Andre Francis, ORTF's jazz supremo invited them onto his "Jazz sur Scene" radio show, which showcased four groups live over two hours. Arriving onto the stage of the prestigious Studio 104 auditorium of the Maison de la Radio, the group delivered a jaw-dropping 35-minute set that left the audience mesmerized. Only thanks to a chance listening of another concert -- where the BAG live set was buried within -- was the recording unearthed making this historic release possible fifty years on. The release counts as an invaluable document, shedding fresh light on one of the most fascinating groups in modern jazz history.

$17.50 IN STOCK

Wewantsounds presents the release of BAG's first album since 1973, For Peace and Liberty, recorded in Paris in Dec. 1972 when the musicians had recently arrived from St Louis. BAG only released one album during their existence. This long-lost performance, recorded at Maison de l'ORTF in optimal conditions just a few months previously, was thought lost until recently unearthed from the vaults of INA (Institut National de l'Audiovisuel). Here the group unleashes an incandescent 35-minute set mixing free improvisation and spiritual jazz with funk grooves. Released in partnership with the band and INA, the album features sound remastered from the original tapes, plus a 20-page booklet featuring words by Oliver Lake, Joseph Bowie, and Baikida Carroll plus Bobo Shaw's and Floyd LeFlore's daughters as well as extensive liner notes by BAG scholar Benjamin Looker and previously unseen photos by cult French photographer Philippe Gras. The Black Artist Group (BAG) was founded in St Louis, USA, in 1968 to promote local artists from the burgeoning Black Arts movement, including musicians, playwrights, dancers and poets. The BAG quintet heard here pulled together key musicians from the larger organization, including Oliver Lake on sax, Baikida Carroll, and Floyd LeFlore on trumpet, Joseph Bowie on trombone and Charles 'Bobo' Shaw on drums. The musicians emerged from the organization to become a vital force within the late '60s free jazz revolution. Modelled on the AACM and the Art Ensemble of Chicago with whom they had close ties, this subset of BAG musicians followed in the footsteps of their Chicago colleagues, relocating to Paris in the early '70s on the recommendation of Lester Bowie, Joseph's older brother. Arriving in the French capital in Oct. 1972 the group made an instant impact on its underground music scene. In December of that year, Andre Francis, ORTF's jazz supremo invited them onto his "Jazz sur Scene" radio show, which showcased four groups live over two hours. Arriving onto the stage of the prestigious Studio 104 auditorium of the Maison de la Radio, the group delivered a jaw-dropping 35-minute set that left the audience mesmerized. Only thanks to a chance listening of another concert -- where the BAG live set was buried within -- was the recording unearthed making this historic release possible fifty years on. The release counts as an invaluable document, shedding fresh light on one of the most fascinating groups in modern jazz history.

$33.00 IN STOCK

Wewantsounds presents the reissue of Steve Beresford's highly sought-after album Dancing the Line, released in France in 1985 on the French label nato. The album, taking its inspiration from French designer Anne Marie Beretta's fashion, features his Alterations acolyte David Toop plus Alan Hacker and Kazuko Hohki (Frank Chickens) with lyrics by Andrew Brenner. The music mixes sophisticated ambient pop powered by a RX11 drum machine with elements synth funk and experimental music. "Tendance" and "Comfortable Gestures" have become underground classics over the years and this is the first time the album is reissued, in partnership with nato. The reissue includes audio newly remastered by Translab in Paris, original gatefold artwork, and a four-page insert with liner notes by nato's Jean Rochard. British musician, composer and arranger Steve Beresford has been a vital force in the British and international music scene since the early '70s. Starting his recording career in 1973, recording with the Portsmouth Sinfonia alongside Gavin Bryars and Brian Eno, he went on to collaborate with a wide array of leading musicians in the free improvisation field and beyond, including Derek Bailey, John Zorn, Han Bennink, The Slits, Prince Far I, Thurston Moore, and Christian Marclay. In 1985, Rochard introduced Beresford to French fashion designer Anne Marie Beretta and, in Spring of that year, the musician came over to Paris with his friend and collaborator, lyricist Andrew Brenner to spend a few days at Beretta's atelier in order to write songs for an upcoming album themed around the designer's works. Together they came up with several songs inspired by the fashion ideas, the fabrics, the colors used by Beretta and the emotions they conveyed. The recording featured Beresford on piano, voice, Yamaha DX7 keyboard and RX11 drum machine, David Toop on flute and guitar, Alan Hacker on Clarinet and London-based Japanese singer Kazuko Hohki from the group Frank Chickens, which Beresford and Toop had recently produced. The album Dancing the Line was released in France in October 1985. It is a subtle mix of ethereal pop songs, funkier tracks, a beautiful piano ballad, and a couple of free instrumentals. In the last years, the album has been rediscovered by a growing legion of new fans and has become an underground favorite with many DJs and collectors around the world. Dancing the Line was only released in France at the time.

$29.50 IN STOCK

LP version. Wewantsounds announces the reissue of Norio Maeda's cult classic Rock Communication Yagibushi, released in Japan in 1970. The album has since become a Japanese jazz funk cornerstone and is now highly sought-after on the international DJ scene. The album reinterprets 14 traditional Japanese folk songs into jaw-dropping jazz funk instrumentals featuring killer arrangements by Maeda that would fit perfectly between David Axelrod and Lalo Schifrin. One of the most prolific Nippon arrangers, Norio Maeda on a par with Yuji Ohno and Kentaro Haneda and this album has long been on many collectors' wantlist. Rock Communication Yagibushi is reissued internationally for the first time, with newly remastered audio, original gatefold artwork and new liner notes by Paul Bowler. Norio Maeda was born in Osaka Prefecture in 1934 and learnt to read music from an early age thanks to his father. He was largely self-taught on piano and quickly got into jazz, before moving to Tokyo in the mid '50s to immerse himself in the city's thriving jazz scene. There Maeda started his own group before joining The West Liners led by saxophonist Konosuke Saijo as pianist and arranger in 1959. Maeda arranged many pop and jazz albums by the likes of Nobuo Hara, Terumasa Hino, jazz singer Mieko Irota and, in 1969, he released the album This is Jazz Rock with saxophonist Jiro Inagaki, reinterpreting international pop, jazz and soul hits with groove arrangements which would pave the way for Rock Communication Yagibushi a year later. For the album, Maeda used two lineups -- a reduced one comprising Takeshi Inomata on drums, Shigeo Suzuki on sax and flute, Kiyoshi Sugimoto on guitar, and Tetsuo Fushimi on trumpet -- and an extended one adding three trumpets, four trombones and a different drummer, Takahiro Suzuki. The album is an explosive succession of instrumental funk and breakbeat nuggets that are reminiscent of David Axelrod with shades of Italian cinematic groove adding a Japanese twist to the mix. It's hard to pick a favorite track as Norio Maeda hits the mark every time and manages to display many fascinating shades of funk throughout the album. One of the most coveted Japanese classics on the international diggers scene, Rock Communication Yagibushi is finally available internationally and will please Japanese jazz funk's many fans.