Following the sell-out success of our landmark compilation, J Jazz: deep modern jazz from Japan 1969–1984, BBE Records is thrilled to present another exploration into the very finest Japanese modern jazz.
J Jazz 2 builds on the solid foundation of the first compilation and sees co-compilers Tony Higgins and Mike Peden once again pick choice sections from their own record collections. They present a deep dive into an intoxicating and beguiling range of styles: from cinematic roaring bigband (Little G by Nobuo Hara) and sparse minimal acoustic funk (Teru Teru Bozo by Teru Sakomoto), to deep spiritual modal epics (Dragon Dance by Makoto Terashita and Harold Land) and synth funk fusion (Mother of the Future by Electro Keyboard Orchestra).
The specially chosen tracks on J Jazz 2 span a critical period of musical progression and invention. From the elegiac stark beauty of Serenade to a Dimly Lit Street and the breakneck vortex of Daguri, to the fierce post-bop freedom of Bull Trout and the blistering powerhouse funky big band fusion of Fallout, there is enough here to satisfy the most curious and demanding jazz fan seeking something extra special.