From "J-DIGS reissues", a reissue project that broadcasts cutting-edge works from Nippon Columbia's catalog to the world, 6 classic Japanese jazz (Wa-Jazz) titles will be reissued on analog vinyl. Releasing this time are 6 titles in total: the piano trio work "Alpha Ray" released in 1968 by genius arranger Norio Maeda; "Variation" by Hiroshi Suzuki, whose song "Romance" boasts worldwide popularity, teaming up with drummer Masahiko Togashi; renowned guitarist Kiyoshi Sugimoto's jazz-funk work "Our Time", and "One More" featuring Marcus Miller; Hiroshi Suzuki's crossover masterpiece "High-Flying"; and Shigeo Sekito's "Kareinaru Electone The Word", which is globally popular due to being sampled by artists like Travis Scott. The jackets feature a gatefold (double jacket) specification, and include newly written liner notes in both Japanese and English. With the exception of "Alpha Ray", the titles will be released on color clear vinyl. Analog reissues from "J-DIGS reissues" are scheduled to continue in the future.
- J-DIGS reissues HP: https://columbia.jp/j-digs/reissues/
* "J-DIGS" is a project that broadcasts the appeal of catalogs owned by Nippon Columbia to the world.
[Product Information] Release Date: November 3, 2026 Label: NIPPONOPHONE Released and Sold by: Nippon Columbia Co., Ltd.
Norio Maeda Trio / Alpha Ray COJY-9600 ¥4,950 (¥4,500 excluding tax) Liner Notes: Yusuke Ogawa (UNIVERSOUNDS/DEEP JAZZ REALITY) Original Release: XMS-10009 (Feb 10, 1969) A torrent of brilliance released from the fingertips. The art of the piano trio by a giant of arrangement. Genius arranger Norio Maeda, who was praised as being able to "write different scores simultaneously with his right and left hands", welcomed his sworn friends Takeshi Inomata and Tatsuro Takimoto in 1968 to tackle his first piano trio work head-on as a pianist. This work coexists with the neat melodies typical of the new mainstream that led the jazz scene at the time, the experimental nature of utilizing a prepared piano, and the eccentric originality of stuffing as many as 7 microphones inside the piano. An important work that should be etched in Japanese jazz history, where the outstanding compositional ability as a composer/arranger and the sharp instinct as a performer are highly intertwined.
side A 1. Alpha Ray 2. Bye Bye Blackbird 3. Maria 4. Fifth Column side B 1. Slobber 2. Star Eyes 3. Infinite
Recorded at Teichiku Kaikan Studio on October 3, 1968 Norio Maeda (Piano) Tatsuro Takimoto (Bass) Takeshi Inomata (Drums)
Hiroshi Suzuki=Masahiko Togashi Quintet / Variation (Clear Vinyl) COJY-9601 ¥4,950 (¥4,500 excluding tax) Liner Notes: Yusuke Ogawa (UNIVERSOUNDS/DEEP JAZZ REALITY) Original Release: XMS-10014 (May 10, 1969) Intersecting vanguard and passion. An innovative work born from the collision of two exceptional personalities. On one side is Hiroshi Suzuki, a trombonist who was so in demand that it was said, "If you want to record a good work, secure his schedule." On the other side is drummer Masahiko Togashi, who distinguished himself at a young age and was sweeping the jazz world from modern jazz to free jazz. The collision of these two personalities and talents created a new tide in the Japanese jazz scene. "Castle Cats", which goes back and forth between jazz-rock and free jazz; "Suzu No Uta", where Yuji Ohno's piano spins a beautiful melody amidst the sound of bells falling like rain; and "Passion", where each musician cuts in at acute angles—the entire piece is filled with originality and passion. In 1969, this work was considered the first time new jazz to free jazz was recorded/released in Japan. The tide of Japanese jazz shifted significantly from here.
side A 1. Castle Cats 2. Variation side B 1. Suzu No Uta (Song of the Bell) 2. Alfie 3. Passion
Recorded on January 20 and February 3, 1969 Hiroshi Suzuki (Trombone) Masahiko Togashi (Drums) Yuji Ohno (Piano) Jun Suzuki (Bass) Tetsuo Fushimi (Trumpet)
Kiyoshi Sugimoto / Our Time (Clear Yellow Vinyl)
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- Source: PR TIMES
- Category: New Product
- Products / services: J-DIGS reissues