2024 Repress

First vinyl pressing of Baroque by Japanese composer and multi-instrumentalist Susumu Yokota. The full length album was originally released by United Sounds Of Blue in 2014, a subdivision of Frogman Records in CD format. Now it is being re-released by Barcelona-based record label Modern Obscure Music as a double LP and in digital format. Baroque is one of the most significant albums of Susumu signed under his original name, and this is the first time the album will be pressed on a double LP 12". Yokota, was an eclectic, highly prolific electronic musician and composer from Japan who died in 2015 at 54. "There is always fear, rage, and ugliness existing behind beauty. I have been trying to express ki-do-ai-raku (the four emotions: joy, anger, sorrow, and happiness) through music. I would like to express even one's hidden emotion with reality. It's my eternal goal." Baroque is a clear example of this, thought the deep listeing of the album you can experiment all of that feelings in just one record and feel how his music infulenced the next generation of producers during the two next decades till today. The Tokyo-based artist devoted his time and creative energy to achieving this goal, and the result is a vast discography that begins with banging early acid house tracks in the 1990s, moves across the next two decades to include deep house and Detroit-influenced techno, a stunning run of ambient electronic albums and, in his last decade, a glorious confluence that wove his various skills into a series of borderless electronic records. Modern Obscure Music team is really excited to bring this gem to the light, Baroque is remastered and distributed in two 12" to be played in clubs and home sound-system bringing the best quality of sound to have the best experience. Susumu Yokota (?? ? Yokota Susumu, or ???·??? Susumu Yokota (April 22,1960 - March 27, 2015) Also known by the pseudonyms Stevia and Ebi, among other.


TRACKLIST

A1 Deformed Pearl 6:06
A2 Deep Sea Diva 5:54
A3 Gem Stones 5:37

B1 Keel 5:12
B2 Re 4:47

C1 Extension 4:25
C2 Royal Flush 5:50
C3 Boreas 5:25

D1 Spinner 5:44
D2 Nacre 6:04

All tracks written and produced by SUSUMU YOKOTA
A&R and Art Direction DAI SATO & KENGO
Original art direction and design by SHIN-ICHIRO HIRATA (PRIMITIVEHANDS INC.)
Photo by HIROHIKO IKEDA
Mastered by THORU KOTETUSU
Remastered by PEDRO PINA
Design adapted by ALBERT PÉREZ CASDO
Reissued by PEDRO VIAN on MODERN OBSCURE MUSIC

MOMA002

® FROGMAN RECORDS 2004
© MODERN OBSCURE MUSIC 2022
More

Pedro Vian and Merzbow release their first joint work, an unbounded expression of creativity
and experimentation. Over the album's forty-minute duration, listeners can experience a blend of
field recordings made by Pedro Vian at the Dia Beacon Foundation in NYC, specifically inside Richard
Serra's sculptures. These recordings are interwoven with the ambient percussion and melodies
characteristic of Vian's work, alongside the piercing and sharp computer frequencies produced by
Merzbow, one of the most acclaimed artists in the global noise scene.

"Inside Richard Serra Sculptures" is both a complex and spontaneous piece, an abstract journey
into the unconscious that may be difficult to grasp for closed minds. This work stands as a
masterpiece of contemporary expressionism, merging ambient sound and noise in a way that
challenges and redefines the boundaries of sound art.

The collaboration between Vian and Merzbow is notable not only for its innovation but also for
its ability to transport listeners to a space where sound becomes an immersive and visceral
experience. The use of Richard Serra's sculptures as a source of inspiration and sonic material
adds a unique dimension to the project, emphasizing the interaction between physical space
and musical creation. Photo by Alba Ricard




A Inside Richard Serra Sculptures Part I 20:13
B Inside Richard Serra Sculptures Part II 21:00
More

World excl. UK

White Vinyl Repress!

Artwork by Mati Klarwein
Design by Nicolas Barreto
Mastered by Rashad Becker

All music was written, mixed, and produced by Pedro Vian & Raül Refree in Barcelona. Special thanks to the Blancafort family for providing the positive organ for the recording of the album. Also thanks to Mar, Gina, Teo, and Balthazar for the support.

©All Rights Reserved. All rights of the manufacturer and of the owner of the recorded work are reserved. Unauthorized public performance broadcasting & copyright of this record are prohibited.

Ref number. MOM043
© ® Modern Obscure Music 2023; under exclusive license from Raül Refree & Pedro Vian.


1.Raül Refree & Pedro Vian - La vera pau I
2.Raül Refree & Pedro Vian - La vera pau II
3.Raül Refree & Pedro Vian - La vera pau III
4.Raül Refree & Pedro Vian - La vera pau IV
5.Raül Refree & Pedro Vian - La vera pau V
6.Raül Refree & Pedro Vian - La vera pau VI
7.Raül Refree & Pedro Vian - La vera pau VII
8.Raül Refree & Pedro Vian - La vera pau VIII
9.Raül Refree & Pedro Vian - La vera pau IX
More

Merzbow (aka Masami Akita), Animal Rights Activist, Writer, and Musician, an Iconic Figure in International Noise Scene

Renowned for his pioneering contributions to the noise music genre, Merzbow (aka Masami Akita) has solidified his position as one of its most significant and recognizable figures. From his groundbreaking utilization of tape loops to craft expansive industrial landscapes in the late 1970s, to his transition to laptop-generated static noise at the turn of the century, Merzbow has consistently pushed the boundaries of sonic experimentation.

Modern Obscure Music is delighted to unveil Merzbow's debut release on the label, "Tsubute Mosaic."

Tracklisting:
A. Tsubute Mosaic Part 1 - 19:06
B. Tsubute Mosaic Part 2 - 17:41
More

“Earth, Our Planet?”: A call for environmental awareness. This time, Pedro Vian - the
founder of Modern Obscure Music - presents his fourth solo album (following his 2020
release, "Ibillorca").
Due for release in spring 2024, "Earth, Our Planet?" promises to immerse us in a moving
odyssey, crossing the boundaries of musical genres to provoke an urgent meditation on the
protection of our planet. On this occasion Vian has composed the album influenced by the
myth of the eternal return, the compositions are long and repetitive, generating states of pure
trance.
Pedro Vian, singular for his fusion of genres and styles, ventures into even more complex
territories in "Earth, Our Planet?". From the first listen, it is evident that this work treads the
line of convention and breaks the boundaries of electronic and experimental music with
artistic dexterity. The album weaves together texture, hypnotic rhythms and melody. Each
track reveals his distinctive ability to create immersive landscapes, guiding the listener into
deep emotional introspection. This is not just music; it is a transformative experience.
The beauty of this album lies not only in the musical vision. The album features high-calibre
collaborations that add layers of creativity and elegance. Trumpeter Pierre Bastien, whose
early productions left an indelible mark on Aphex Twin's Reflex label, infuses "A Day in
Rotterdam" with a unique emotional resonance. Violinist, Asia, renowned for her avant-garde
approach and ability to conjure unique landscapes, elevates the album's opening tracks
"Urobóros" and "Les Tambours Subterraniens". Their skill and sensitivity intertwine perfectly
with Vian's artistic vision. In addition, Italian producer Daniele Mana, with whom Pedro Vian
collaborated closely on his previous album "Cascades", known for his experimental
approach and talent for creating extraterrestrial atmospheres also contributes to "Les
Tambours Subterraniens". His artistic perspective adds more complexity and texture to the
piece, pushing the boundaries of contemporary electronic music. There is also a
collaboration with Raül Refree, an artist with whom Vian worked with last year, presenting
“Font De la Vera Pau”, an album that The Guardian defined as "a wonderful piece of electroacoustic
music, a captivating mix of strings and analogue synth drones which sometimes
flirts with Alice Coltrane-ish spiritual jazz".
With "Earth, Our Planet?", Pedro Vian not only offers up some of his best work to date, but it
is also a call to reflect on our relationship with the natural world. As a part of a planet where
environmental awareness is more crucial than ever, he urges us to protect and preserve our
world as an extension of ourselves. This extensive work is a statement, Vian addresses the
notion that too often we prioritise immediate needs over the well-being of the planet. It
highlights the fact that we often consider the Earth as a possession when, in reality, we are
but a part of it.


1_Pedro Vian feat. Asia - Uróboros
2_Pedro Vian feat. Mana - Les Tambours Suterraniens
3_Pedro Vian - Satan’s Voice
4_Pedro Vian - Lucid Dreams
5_Pedro Vian - Un Storia Infinita
6_Pedro Vian feat. Raul Refree - The Limit of Nothing
7_Pedro Vian feat. Pierre Bastien - A Day in Rotterdam
8_Pedro Vian - Your Face Shines more than the Sun
9_Pedro Vian - Hipódromo
10_Pedro Vian - Crema Lent More

“Earth, Our Planet?”: A call for environmental awareness. This time, Pedro Vian - the
founder of Modern Obscure Music - presents his fourth solo album (following his 2020
release, "Ibillorca").
Due for release in spring 2024, "Earth, Our Planet?" promises to immerse us in a moving
odyssey, crossing the boundaries of musical genres to provoke an urgent meditation on the
protection of our planet. On this occasion Vian has composed the album influenced by the
myth of the eternal return, the compositions are long and repetitive, generating states of pure
trance.
Pedro Vian, singular for his fusion of genres and styles, ventures into even more complex
territories in "Earth, Our Planet?". From the first listen, it is evident that this work treads the
line of convention and breaks the boundaries of electronic and experimental music with
artistic dexterity. The album weaves together texture, hypnotic rhythms and melody. Each
track reveals his distinctive ability to create immersive landscapes, guiding the listener into
deep emotional introspection. This is not just music; it is a transformative experience.
The beauty of this album lies not only in the musical vision. The album features high-calibre
collaborations that add layers of creativity and elegance. Trumpeter Pierre Bastien, whose
early productions left an indelible mark on Aphex Twin's Reflex label, infuses "A Day in
Rotterdam" with a unique emotional resonance. Violinist, Asia, renowned for her avant-garde
approach and ability to conjure unique landscapes, elevates the album's opening tracks
"Urobóros" and "Les Tambours Subterraniens". Their skill and sensitivity intertwine perfectly
with Vian's artistic vision. In addition, Italian producer Daniele Mana, with whom Pedro Vian
collaborated closely on his previous album "Cascades", known for his experimental
approach and talent for creating extraterrestrial atmospheres also contributes to "Les
Tambours Subterraniens". His artistic perspective adds more complexity and texture to the
piece, pushing the boundaries of contemporary electronic music. There is also a
collaboration with Raül Refree, an artist with whom Vian worked with last year, presenting
“Font De la Vera Pau”, an album that The Guardian defined as "a wonderful piece of electroacoustic
music, a captivating mix of strings and analogue synth drones which sometimes
flirts with Alice Coltrane-ish spiritual jazz".
With "Earth, Our Planet?", Pedro Vian not only offers up some of his best work to date, but it
is also a call to reflect on our relationship with the natural world. As a part of a planet where
environmental awareness is more crucial than ever, he urges us to protect and preserve our
world as an extension of ourselves. This extensive work is a statement, Vian addresses the
notion that too often we prioritise immediate needs over the well-being of the planet. It
highlights the fact that we often consider the Earth as a possession when, in reality, we are
but a part of it.


1_Pedro Vian feat. Asia - Uróboros
2_Pedro Vian feat. Mana - Les Tambours Suterraniens
3_Pedro Vian - Satan’s Voice
4_Pedro Vian - Mother of Dragons
5_Pedro Vian - Silent Ecstasy
6_Pedro Vian - Lucid Dreams
7_Pedro Vian - Un Storia Infinita
8_Pedro Vian feat. Raul Refree - The Limit of Nothing
9_Pedro Vian feat. Pierre Bastien - A Day in Rotterdam
10_Pedro Vian - Your Face Shines more than the Sun
11_Pedro Vian - Crema Lent
12_Pedro Vian - Hipódromo
More

We are thrilled to introduce the world to the innovative sounds of the Japanese improvisational music trio 'I-I'. Composed of three exceptionally talented musicians, Kazuhisa Uchihashi (guitar, daxophone, pedals), Mitsuhisa Sakaguchi (synthesizers, pedals) and Tatsuhisa Yamamoto (percussion). This dynamic ensemble has embarked on a remarkable musical journey with their homonymous debut album.
"There's no inspiration from others. We just played." With this raw and unfiltered approach to music, 'I-I' promises a unique listening experience. The album's overall sound and style can be described as completely improvised, devoid of any predetermined theme or content. Instead, the musicians rely on their deep understanding of each other's musicality to create spontaneous and captivating harmonies. This organic approach results in a tension-filled sound that challenges traditional norms.
In their own words, the musicians stated that there are no particular themes or messages they seek to convey through the songs. Their creative process is one of pure exploration, allowing their musical intuition to guide them.
'I-I' is the trio's debut album, marking the beginning of their musical journey as a collective.
Despite the complexities of spontaneous creation, the trio revealed that they faced no significant challenges during the album's production, making the creative process smooth and seamless."We hope you will listen to this album from the first track to the last track in order, as like 'Album-oriented music.' The trio hopes that listeners will fully immerse themselves in "I-I" by sitting down in front of their audio systems and playing it as loudly as possible. Their goal is to provide a unique and unforgettable musical experience that transcends traditional boundaries.
"I-I" is now available for listeners who crave the thrill of uncharted musical territory. Embrace the unexpected and embark on a sonic adventure with this groundbreaking debut album.

Tracklist

1.I-I - movement 1

2.I-I - movement 2

3.I-I - movement 3

4.I-I - movement 4

5.I-I - movement 5

6.I-I - movement 6

More

lim. 150 blue transparent 180 Gr LP + 7" + Poster / incl. Silent Servant Remix

A cross-cutting label exploring the boundaries between different disciplines based on deep listening and music research, Modern Obscure Music is set to release 'INRI' (INDUSTRIA NACIONAL DEL RUIDO INFINITO) on the 1st December, the new album from Dellarge.

Inspired by the scenic beauty of his studio's surroundings at Lake Pátzcuaro in Michoacan, Mexico, Alejandro Barba, aka Dellarge, delves deep into the depths of his artistic consciousness to craft a spiritual album that encapsulates the essence of the place. 'INRI' stands for Industria Nacional del Ruido Infinito (National Industry of Infinite Noise) and serves as a vessel for Dellarge's innermost self-expression and reflections on the potential of humanity.

A multifaceted artist and veteran of the music industry for over two decades, his latest musical creation is an intimate and personal album and a departure from previous Techno/EBM-orientated Dellarge releases. 'INRI' (INDUSTRIA NACIONAL DEL RUIDO INFINITO) offers a mesmerizing blend of ambient, futuristic, and industrial sounds that transport listeners into a realm of mysticism, futurism, and duality and stands as a testament to Dellarge's artistic growth and his ability to transcend boundaries, offering listeners an immersive experience that connects them to his world.

Drawing inspiration from numerous sources, Dellarge found creative fuel in books such as 'El Arte de los Ruidos' by Luigi Russolo, 'Manifiestos y Textos Futuristas' by F.T. Marinetti, and science fiction classics including 'Congreso de Futurología' by Stanislaw Lem, 'Neuromancer' by William Gibson, and 'Dune' by Frank Herbert. Musically, he delved into the works of Coil, Michael Bundt, The Threshold Houseboys Choir, krautrock legends CAN and Popol Vuh, early Kraftwerk, Arthur Brown, Yello, Esquivel, The Residents, and Hector Lavoe for inspiration.

When asked about the creative process behind the album, Dellarge revealed a disciplined routine that involved immersing himself in the sounds, focusing on minute details that connected with the vivid world he envisioned. Ethereal tracks such as 'Viento Androide' and 'Viaje al Sol' offer a glimpse of a hopeful future, while darker compositions such as 'Corpus de Sangre' and 'Toro de Falaris', explore the wickedness and compassion within humanity. Each piece in the album represents a unique sonic journey.

'Viaje al Sol', the first single to be taken from the album, is set for release on the 27th October, and is also available as an EP which includes a remix from Juan Mendez aka Silent Servant. The remix is also included on the digital version of the album and available on 7" vinyl alongside an exclusive reworking of 'Cascabel' by the founder of Modern Obscure Music, Pedro Vian.


Tracklisting:

1. Viaje al Sol
2. The Maestro
3. Esferas de Cristal
4. Mama
5. Cascabel
6. Juguentes Rotos
7. Sigilo
8. Orquesta Sinfonica Angustia
9. Toro de Falaris
10. Perdon de Judas
11. Viento Androide
12. Corpus de Sangre

Digital Only:
13. Inferno
14. Invasores
15. Nave Nodriza
16. Espino

7":
A Dellarge - Viaje al Sol (Silent Servant Remix)
B Dellarge - Cascabel (Pedro Vian Remix) More

We are thrilled to introduce the world to the innovative sounds of the Japanese improvisational music trio 'I-I'. Composed of three exceptionally talented musicians, Kazuhisa Uchihashi (guitar, daxophone, pedals), Mitsuhisa Sakaguchi (synthesizers, pedals) and Tatsuhisa Yamamoto (percussion). This dynamic ensemble has embarked on a remarkable musical journey with their homonymous debut album.
"There's no inspiration from others. We just played." With this raw and unfiltered approach to music, 'I-I' promises a unique listening experience. The album's overall sound and style can be described as completely improvised, devoid of any predetermined theme or content. Instead, the musicians rely on their deep understanding of each other's musicality to create spontaneous and captivating harmonies. This organic approach results in a tension-filled sound that challenges traditional norms.
In their own words, the musicians stated that there are no particular themes or messages they seek to convey through the songs. Their creative process is one of pure exploration, allowing their musical intuition to guide them.
'I-I' is the trio's debut album, marking the beginning of their musical journey as a collective.
Despite the complexities of spontaneous creation, the trio revealed that they faced no significant challenges during the album's production, making the creative process smooth and seamless."We hope you will listen to this album from the first track to the last track in order, as like 'Album-oriented music.' The trio hopes that listeners will fully immerse themselves in "I-I" by sitting down in front of their audio systems and playing it as loudly as possible. Their goal is to provide a unique and unforgettable musical experience that transcends traditional boundaries.
"I-I" is now available for listeners who crave the thrill of uncharted musical territory. Embrace the unexpected and embark on a sonic adventure with this groundbreaking debut album.

Tracklist

1.I-I - movement 1

2.I-I - movement 2

3.I-I - movement 3

4.I-I - movement 4

5.I-I - movement 5

6.I-I - movement 6

More

World excl. UK

Artwork by Mati Klarwein
Design by Nicolas Barreto
Mastered by Rashad Becker

All music was written, mixed, and produced by Pedro Vian & Raül Refree in Barcelona. Special thanks to the Blancafort family for providing the positive organ for the recording of the album. Also thanks to Mar, Gina, Teo, and Balthazar for the support.

©All Rights Reserved. All rights of the manufacturer and of the owner of the recorded work are reserved. Unauthorized public performance broadcasting & copyright of this record are prohibited.

Ref number. MOM043
© ® Modern Obscure Music 2023; under exclusive license from Raül Refree & Pedro Vian.


1.Raül Refree & Pedro Vian - La vera pau I
2.Raül Refree & Pedro Vian - La vera pau II
3.Raül Refree & Pedro Vian - La vera pau III
4.Raül Refree & Pedro Vian - La vera pau IV
5.Raül Refree & Pedro Vian - La vera pau V
6.Raül Refree & Pedro Vian - La vera pau VI
7.Raül Refree & Pedro Vian - La vera pau VII
8.Raül Refree & Pedro Vian - La vera pau VIII
9.Raül Refree & Pedro Vian - La vera pau IX
More

World excl. UK

Artwork by Mati Klarwein
Design by Nicolas Barreto
Mastered by Rashad Becker

All music was written, mixed, and produced by Pedro Vian & Raül Refree in Barcelona. Special thanks to the Blancafort family for providing the positive organ for the recording of the album. Also thanks to Mar, Gina, Teo, and Balthazar for the support.

©All Rights Reserved. All rights of the manufacturer and of the owner of the recorded work are reserved. Unauthorized public performance broadcasting & copyright of this record are prohibited.

Ref number. MOM043
© ® Modern Obscure Music 2023; under exclusive license from Raül Refree & Pedro Vian.


1.Raül Refree & Pedro Vian - La vera pau I
2.Raül Refree & Pedro Vian - La vera pau II
3.Raül Refree & Pedro Vian - La vera pau III
4.Raül Refree & Pedro Vian - La vera pau IV
5.Raül Refree & Pedro Vian - La vera pau V
6.Raül Refree & Pedro Vian - La vera pau VI
7.Raül Refree & Pedro Vian - La vera pau VII
8.Raül Refree & Pedro Vian - La vera pau VIII
9.Raül Refree & Pedro Vian - La vera pau IX
More

Constantly evolving and adapting his sound, Shackleton has releases
spanning labels such as Honest Jon’s, Perlon and his own imprints, Skull
Disco (co-founded with Appleblim) and Woe to the Septic Heart!.
Shackleton now finds a home for a brand new project on the
Barcelona-based, Modern Obscure Music.
Undoubtedly Shackleton, but taking the meditative aspects of his sound
to a new plane, The Purge of Tomorrow, is an alias born to transmit a
less dancefloor-orientated experience to whomever is ready to receive it.
‘The Other Side of Devastation’ is an investigation into a novel form of
deepness. Adverse to the reductive label of ‘Ambient’, these tracks are
spawned from a live performance context. The essence was to create an
immersive encounter where listeners are called on to actively unburden
their mind of unnecessary thoughts. Staying true to the trance elements
that Shackleton is renowned for, this EP is not dependent on traditional
structures or a linear narrative.
‘Time Moving’ presents itself through a journey of disquieted moments
and contemplative states. Hypnotic strings provided by Kathy Alberici
construct pastoral phrases that mesh with the larger looming drones,
culminating to conjure a daydream-like energy. Following on, ‘Waves’
twists through various forms, awash with cascading vocal splices and
soothing murmurs contrasted with rousing sub pressure.
Reflective and sometimes provocative, as an artist who resents the
pigeon-holes of genre, The Purge of Tomorrow presents an exciting new
direction for Shackleton. Bursting-at-the-seams with emotional
complexity as to echo the woes of the human condition, this EP is
steeped in feelings of forgone events doomed to be replicated.

Artwork by Juaki Pesudo
Design by Andrea di Franco
Mastered by Rupert Clervaux

A1. The Purge of Tomorrow - Time Moving
B1. The Purge of Tomorrow - Waves More

ARTIST:
Felicia Atkinson, Büsra Kayikçi, Carmen Villain, Kuniyuki

Takahashi, Pavel Milyakov, KMRU, Ana Quiroga, Abul Mogard, Pedro Vian

It’s a pleasure to bring together, on this album, musicians with whom we feel a very special connection,
namely Felicia Atkinson, Büþra Kayýkçý, Carmen Villain, Kuniyuki Takahashi, Pavel Milyakov,
KMRU, Ana Quiroga, Abul Mogard and Pedro Vian. All of them have been very generous in their
willingness to participate in an artistic experiment: to build bridges between architecture and music.
Each of these artists chose a space and translated it into a piece of music, and the result is a sonic
kaleidoscope through which specific territories can be gazed upon from unexplored points of view. The
compositions that make up this compilation are synaesthetic windows through which we can observe with
our ears. To look through them, all we have to do is listen and we’ll be able to contemplate, in a unique
way, spaces located in such different places as Vilches (Chile), Istanbul (Turkey), Oslo (Norway), Sapporo
(Japan), Nairobi (Kenya), London (England), Rome (Italy), Berlin (Germany), or even in imaginary
universes.

TRACKLIST

1. Büsra Kayikçi - Genius Loci
2. Pavel Milyakov - GTR chords movement 1
3. Felicia Atkinson - Le Poème de l’Angle Droit
4. Carmen Villain - Luften Imellom
5. Kuniyuki Takahashi - Moere
6. KMRU - Stretch Mabati
7. Ana Quiroga - London Fields
8. Abul Mogard - Teatro Romano di Tuscolo
9. Pedro Vian - Neue Nationalgalerie More

On 9th December Modern Obscure Music presents Cascades, the new album from Pedro Vian &
Mana, which premiered during their immersive live set at the most recent Sonar Festival in Barcelona.
Cascades was recorded over a three-day studio session in Turin during the winter months, which is
reflected in the musical narrative, as the eleven tracks flow gently like an icy river, filled with a mixture
of hazy melancholy, uncanny dream-states and euphoria.
Various recording techniques and instrumentation was utilised, including the Lyra-8 organismic
analogue synthesiser, which takes principles from living organisms to produce sounds resembling a
conversation between nature and technology. The result is a spellbinding ambient odyssey that
features a luminous synthesis of neo-classical strings and orchestral drones, together with strange
voices, and abstract passages designed to evoke Dante’s Inferno, which represent the soul’s journey.
Pedro Vian is a renowned Catalan artist who has released three solo albums (Beautiful Things You
Left Us For Memories, Pedro Vian and Ibillorca) and a collection of singles on his Modern Obscure
Music imprint – a multi-disciplinary platform based on deep listening and music research. The
‘PRSNT’ compilation, which Pedro curated in 2021 and featured Laurie Spiegel, Ryuichi Sakamoto,
and Visible Cloaks, received support from Pitchfork, Crack, Brooklyn Vegan, The Quietus, The
Wire and Metal. Pedro has been remixed by Inga Copeland and Pye Corner Audio, and has
recorded mixes for of Bleep, Self-Titled and Juno Daily.
As part of a new generation of Italian electronic music artists, Piedmont born composer and producer
Mana has released two full length albums (Seven Steps Behind and Asa Nisi Masa) on Kode 9's
Hyperdub imprint, plus an EP on Nicolas Jaar's Other People label under his Vaghe Stelle alias.
Earlier in his musical journey, Mana supported Laurent Garnier, James Holden and Skream across
the Torino club scene, and in 2011 teamed up with Italian friends Lorenzo Senni and A:RA to form
the experimental group One Circle.
Pedro Vian & Mana’s previous work as solo producers has pushed the limits of electronic music, and
together they’ve garnered critical acclaim from the likes of Pitchfork, The Quietus, The Vinyl
Factory, Resident Advisor and more. They now join forces to traverse new sonic territories between
electronica, ambient, drone, and trance-inducing soundscapes.

Tracklist:

1. Cascades Intro
2. Cascades 1
3. Cascades 2
4. Cascades 3
5. Cascades 4
6. Cascades 5
7. Cascades 6
8. Cascades 7
9. Cascades 8
10. Cascades 9
11. Cacades Outro More

Territories: WORLD EXCLUDING UK

Genre: Techno/Dance/Electronic

Tracklist 12":

A1.Albino Sound - Black Lagoon
A2.Albino Sound - Plum Valley
A3.Albino Sound - Transparent Colony
B1.Albino Sound - Dried Seeds
B2.Albino Sound - Dried Seeds (DJ Normal 4's Vibe Strike Remix)

Release Info:
Modern Obscure Music has been making links with the Far East since label boss Pedro Vian visited Japan and this is their first 12” release from a Japanese artist. Albino Sound is Hirotaka Umetani from Osaka and here he presents Black Lagoon. This is an exciting EP of experimental soundcapes and left of centre dancefloor escapades with an extra special remix from German producer DJ Normal 4. Black Lagoon opens the EP with live percussion and mysterious sounds and is followed by the mesmerising tones of Plum Valley. Transparent Colony is an open-armed ambient cut and the EP finishes with two versions on Dried Seeds. The original is an energetic mover and DJ Normal 4's Vibe Strike Remix is an eastern synth inspired mission.
More

Territory: WW / excl. UK

Tracklist:

A1 - Can Mortera
A2 - The destiny manifest
A3 - A romance between to planets
A4 - Interlude
B1 - Terrestial images
B2 - Medusa
B3 - The night dancer
B4 - Un passatge obscur
B5 - Le printemps est arrivé

Release Info:
Spanish producer Pedro Vian is dreaming of the sea on “Ibillorca”, his third studio album.

Vian, whose Modern Obscure Music label is at the heart of the Barcelona electronic scene, moved to Amsterdam in 2018. While the Dutch capital has embraced this inventive producer and DJ, Vian says the new album is inspired by a feelings of absence and longing for his Mediterranean home. “On this album I explore my feelings of missing the light,” he says. “Ibillorca is a journey to a utopian island, a journey to a new state of mind.”

You can hear this displaced utopia on songs like “Can Mortera”, a dreamy reflection on house music, recorded in Ibiza in summer 2019, that brings to mind Larry Heard at his most meditative; or “Medusa” (featuring artist Rosalie Wammes), which sounds like Tangerine Dream drifting over the sea.

The Quietus called Pedro Vian’s debut album “Beautiful Things You Left Us For Memories” “the soundtrack to walking around the city at night”, while his eponymous second album was both deeply personal and more suited for the dance floor. “Ibillorca” is his Mediterranean album. “I love the Mediterranean sea,” Vian explains. “I come from there and I miss the light, the sun and the smell of the sea, so I dedicated this album to this feeling.” Fittingly, “Ibillorca”’s enigmatic cover art, painted by Spanish artist Blanca Miró, depicts the Mediterranean islands of Ibiza & Mallorca

“Ibillorca” is also Vian’s most varied release to date: “The Destiny Manifest” nods to drum and bass - albeit a touchingly Iberian take on the genre - while “Western Snow” has a hint of Erik Satie’s piano minimalism. Vian’s new home in The Netherlands also played a role in shaping “Ibillorca” .Vian recorded the album during his residency at HetHEM, a new contemporary space in Zandaam, 30 minutes from Amsterdam. “I have my studio at the top of the building, from there I can see all the boats going up and down the river IJ,” Vian says. “The art space is located in an industrial area, everything is grey, also the sky.” All the better, then, for dreaming of the sea.

“Ibillorca” will be released in Spring,2020. More

-NO SALES TO JAPAN-
LP: 180g vinyl, half speed mastered, heavy sleeve, obi

Tracklisting LP
A1. Sonora
A2. Stella by Starlight
A3. Speak Low
A4. Nobody Knows The Trouble I’ve Seen
B1. Old Country
B2. Soultrane
B3. Chasin’ The Bird
B4. Be My Love

Info:

We Release Jazz is delighted to announce the official reissue of Ryo Fukui’s final album, the very personal contemporary jazz offering, A Letter from Slowboat, sourced from the original masters and available on limited edition 180 gram vinyl mastered at half speed for full audiophile sound, as well as on digipack CD.
Known for his miraculous albums Scenery (1976) and Mellow Dream (1977), legendary Hokkaido pianist Ryo Fukui, with the help of his wife Yasuko, opened his very own jazz club in Sapporo in 1995, Slowboat. This is where Ryo Fukui spent the latter half of his career, playing again and again, welcoming peers for unforgettable sessions, and perfecting the craft he lived for: jazz.

A Letter from Slowboat is a poetic, soulful, and honest love letter to Hokkaido, to Fukui’s jazz club, and to endless hours of practicing artistry in a place called home. Backed by longtime collaborators Takumi Awaya on bass, and Ittetsu Takemura on drums, Ryo Fukui flows through classics and originals with natural class, fluidity and absolute precision, expressing a smooth balance between skills and heart. Slowboat, full of breathtaking solos and exquisite moments of clarity, is another crucial piece in the career of one of the most fascinating jazzmen to ever grace the piano. It was released in 2016, sadly the year Ryo Fukui passed away, leaving behind a legacy of works that is sure to captivate jazz lovers for generations to come, and Slowboat, where the magic still happens to this day.

This is reissued in conjunction with Ryo Fukui’s Ryo Fukui in New York (1999), also available via We Release Jazz.


Points of interests

- For fans of jazz, soul jazz, modal, hard bop, piano, Japanese jazz, boats, Sapporo, Scenery, jazz clubs and very personal letters.

- Official reissue of the final album by legendary Hokkaido pianist Ryo Fukui.

- 8th release from We Release Jazz, following Ryo Fukui’s Scenery and Mellow Dream, the soundtrack of Le Cercle Rouge by Eric Demarsan, Stuff Combe 5 + Percussion, Marc Moulin’s Pla-cebo Live 1971 and Boillat Thérace Quintet albums. We Release Jazz is the sister-label of Geneva-based WRWTFWW Records (Midori Takada’s Through The Looking Glass and Lunar Cruise with Masahiko Sato, MKWAJU ensemble’s KI-Motion, Jun Fukamachi’s Nicole, Bruno Spoerri’s Voice of Taurus and The Sound of the UFOs, Piero Umiliani’s Tra Scienza e Fantascienza and Il Mondo Dei Romani…)


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WORLDWIDE

Genre: Electronic, Soundtrack, Ambient, Industrial, Metal, Noise

LP: Heavy 350gsm Sleeve, Sticker

Tracklisting LP
A1. Knock Off
A2. Gryphis Glaucus
A3. Going Down For...
A4. Move On
B1. Over Crowd
B2. Half Truth
B3. Selene


Info

WRWTFWW Records is deeply honored to announce the release of Chu Ishikawa & Der Eisenrost’s soundtrack for experimental action drama Tokyo Fist, released in 1995 and directed by legendary director/producer/writer Shin’ya Tsukamoto (Tetsuo: The Iron Man and its sequels, Bullet Ballet, Hiroki The Goblin, Nightmare Detective). Previously only published on CD in Japan, the cult movie soundtrack is available on vinyl for the first time ever and housed in a heavy 350gsm sleeve.
The Tokyo Fist soundtrack gorgeously blends explosive industrial music, heavy percussion, martial rhythms and noise experimentations with contemplative ambient and emotion-filled synth soundscapes, perfectly encapsulating the nihilistic pain felt by the characters of the movie and the brutally visceral rebirth they go through. Ishikawa and Der Eisenrost’s compositions hit hard, sometimes truly terrorizing, sometimes heart-gripping in gloomy and bewitching ways. This is no holds barred music, a venture into the darkest yet most strangely beautiful corners of the human mind (and heart).
The late great Chu Ishikawa was one of the innovators of the industrial and experimental scene in Japan and has collaborated with Shin’ya Tsukamoto on numerous movies. He also worked extensively with Takashi Miike, another visionary filmmaker from his home country. Ishikawa was the leader of groundbreaking Industrial-Metal-Percussion unit Der Eisenrost whose live performances around Japan left an indelible mark on the genre’s history.
This new project by WRWTFWW Records follows previous Japanese soundtracks from the catalogue: Ghost in the Shell, Patlabor 2, Evil Dead Trap…and more to come.

Points of interests

- For fans of electronic, soundtracks, industrial, ambient, percussion, metal, synth, Kenji Kawai, Geinoh Yamashirogumi, Tetsuo, Shin’ya Tsukamoto, Takashi Miike, cult movies, boxing, rebirths, and hard hitting experimental cinema.

- First ever vinyl release of Chu Ishikawa & Der Eisenrost’s soundtrack for experimental action drama movie Tokyo First (1995).





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Special remarks : Remastered LP with insert & new liner notes (full size art insert+notes)
Follow up to the labels previous release -NZ 80s compilation 'Kiwi Animals' Syguiria Lady is the first full reissue album for Strangelove. For fans of current Japanese music revival

Tracklist:
A1 Amitoung Ashyljoung
A2 Vimana Beam
A3 Faros Faras Island
B1 Soma Yana
B2 Maya Candra
B3 Samsara
B4 Polaris Line
B5 Chariot Of Palace


Short info:
Strangelove is proud to present the first ever reissue of 'Syguira Lady', an eerie and absorbing ride through the rich imagination of enigmatic Osaka group Viola Renea. While riding the current interest in Japanese music, the album remains an anomaly to much of the local music of the time. Juxtaposing ancient/modern sources of sonic inspiration, North England's new musical movements collide with Eastern European folk rhythms, while oriental scales slide amongst wavey-electronic instrumentation. The resultant musical dreamscapes sought to conjure themes of noir & seduction, recurrent in the period's techno-pop. Kuki Imamura described the album as the sound of unknown memories with aural visions & strange musical loves coalescing around a femme fatale; 'Syguirian Lady' More

Triple gatefold heavyweight 180g vinyl, Remastered original LP , Incl. 5 unreleased tracks released for the 1st time on vinyl`see tracklist below for details!


"A mesmerizing Japanese ambient techno masterpiece that that completely rewires how you perceive music" Electronic Beats

"A mountainous Masterpiece. A powerful testament to rave culture's establishment and the birth of a new scene in Japan emerging in the mid '90s. One of Yokota's most celebrated work that merges Japanese new age and minimal techno"
Alex From Tokyo (Japan Vibrations, world famous, Paris)


GENRE/S: Techno, Acid, Ambient

New liner notes by Alex From Tokyo


On July 26th Susumu Yokota's venerated 1994 classic 'Acid Mt. Fuji' is reissued in expanded, deluxe fashion, as part of the 30th anniversary celebrations of the label that originally presented it. Japan's Musicmine - specifically it's electronic subsidiary Sublime Records - released the album on June 29th 1994, simultaneously with Ken Ishii's 'Reference To Difference', as their inaugural joint offering.

'Acid Mt. Fuji' is an enchanting mix of mystical ambient acid and futurist minimal techno, taking the listeners on a psychedelic pilgrimage, where 303, synths and electronic percussion are scented with reverb, echo and forest recordings. Merging Japanese new age and sparse electronica, the recording is free, organic, and energized - proffering a unique blend of early 90s western styles and the essence of his home country.

Yokota originally planned an ambient record, but 'Acid Mt. Fuji' evolved into a concept work featuring the Roland TB-303, which he recorded live at home alongside a sampler, yielding experimental and innovative results.

The longplayer found its muse in the famed 18th-19th century artist Hokusai's red rendition of Mt. Fuji, known as 'Red Fuji' or 'Akafuji'. Part of the painter's renowned 'Thirty Six Views of Mt. Fuji' series from the 1830s, 'Red Fuji' depicts the iconic sacred mountain aglow in red at dawn, symbolizing spirituality and creativity. With references to Japanese folklore, nature and shrines, tracks like 'Kinoko' and 'Meijijingu' invite the listener to immerse themselves in the album's spiritual depths.

Yokota's own homage-to-Hokusai drawing graces the record's cover, and was inspired by the concept of wa (harmony) - highlighting his diverse skills not only as a musician, but an artist and designer too.

'Acid Mt. Fuji' is a powerful testament to the establishment of rave culture in Japan, which rapidly developed within just two years, from 1992 to 1994. Largely due to praise for the breathtaking originality of the LP, within this burgeoning national techno scene, Yokota rose to prominence as one of its key figures.

He then became one of the most renowned artists to emerge from his homeland and enter the global electronic pantheon. He inspired a new wave of Japanese producers and DJs, contributing significantly to the growth of the techno movement in Japan.

Yokota was a solitary figure, an artist who expressed his life through the continuous creation of music. For those seeking something different; mystical, soothing, pristinely ergonomic and uniquely Japanese, this record stands as iconic as Mt. Fuji itself.

-

This triple vinyl Deluxe Edition includes the original album's eleven tracks alongside five raw and jacking rare gems, available on wax for the first time, which were previously included only in the Japanese 2016 Deluxe Edition CD.

There are also two digital-only bonus tracks. One is a live performance by Yokota, titled 'Live at Shibuya Beam Hall', which was recorded at Sublime Records' label launch party, held in September 1994. It was previously only released on the aforementioned 2016 Japanese CD edition. This event, titled 'Sublime Records Presents New Style of Electronic Ambient Party' featured performances by Susumu Yokota, Ken Ishii, Yoshihiro Sawasaki, Speedy J and DJ Wada. This ten minute long, rare live recording captures Yokota playing a dynamic, fast paced acid house live jam, using two TB-303s and a drum machine. The other digital only bonus track is an alternative version of 'H', which was discovered recently whilst excavating a DAT.

The liner notes are written by DJ/producer Alex From Tokyo, who was a good friend of Yokota, and experienced the 90s Tokyo club scene first-hand as an insider. His compilation 'Japan Vibrations Vol. 1' captures this golden era, and features music by Prism (Susumu Yokota), Ryuichi Sakamoto, Haruomi Hosono, Yasuaki Shimizu, Quadra (Hiroshi Watanabe) and more.

3LP Vinyl
Catalogue no: MMDS24004LP

Side A
1. Zenmai (2024 Remaster)
2. Kinoko (2024 Remaster)
3. Meijijingu (2024 Remaster)

Side B
1. Saboten (2024 Remaster)
2. Oh My God (2024 Remaster)
3. Tambarin (2024 Remaster)

Side C
1. Oponchi (2024 Remaster)
2. Ao-oni (2024 Remaster)
3. Akafuji (2024 Remaster)

Side D
1. Alphaville (2024 Remaster)
2. Tanuki (2024 Remaster)

Side E
1. Floating G (2024 Remaster)**
2. H (2024 Remaster)**
3. B (2024 Remaster)**

Side F
1. F (2024 Remaster)**
2. 2 H (2024 Remaster)**

**= 5 unreleased tracks released for the 1st time on vinyl.

New liner notes by Martyn Pepperell

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The Standard Edition - Territory - NO Sales to Japan
Ryo Fukui's 1976 highly sought-after jazz masterpiece SCENERY-
LP Edition: Mastered at half speed, 140g vinyl, Sticker

We Release Jazz (WRWTFWW Records' new sister-label) is proud to present its first release, the official reissue of Ryo Fukui's highly sought-after masterpiece Scenery (1976), sourced from the original masters and available on limited edition 180g vinyl mastered at half speed for audiophile sound and on digipack CD.

Unquestionably one of the most important Japanese jazz albums ever recorded, Scenery reveals Ryo Fukui as a miraculously brilliant self-taught pianist fusing modal, bop, and cool jazz influences for a very personal, dexterous and game-changing take on classic standards made famous by Bing Crosby and John Coltrane among others. From "It Could Happen To You" and its serene and calm intro which magically flows into a jubilant and upbeat piece, to the out-of-this-world piano solo of "Early Summer", or the incredible teamwork of "Autumn Leaves" where Fukui leads Satoshi Denpo (bass) and Yoshinori Fukui (drums) into groove heaven, every single note on the album oozes precision, confidence and flair and every single section slides seamlessly into one another, creating a supreme and elegant blend of jazz. Often compared to McCoy Tyner or Bill Evans, Ryo Fukui was a genius in his own right, a true master of his craft whose perfectionism gave birth to some of the greatest music ever recorded. Scenery is his magnum opus and an absolute must-have.

The Hokkaido wizard-pianist followed Scenery with the soulful gem Mellow Dream (also available on We Release Jazz) in 1977. He then focused on improving his live skills, often performing at Sapporo's Slowboat Jazz Club (which he co-founded with his wife Yasuko Fukui) and releasing 2 live albums. Ryo Fukui sadly passed away in March 2016, leaving behind a legacy of works that is sure to captivate jazz lovers for generations to come.


Tracklisting Vinyl LP
A1 It Could Happen To You
A2 I Want To Talk About You
A3 Early Summer
B1 Willow Weep For Me
B2 Autumn Leaves
B3 Scenery
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No sales to Japan!

LP: 180g vinyl, half speed mastered, heavy sleeve, obi, gold ink
Genre: Jazz, Fusion, Funk

Tracklisting LP
A1. Shrimp Dance
A2. Kuro To Shiro
B1. Walk Tall
B2. Cat
B3. Romance


Info

We Release Jazz is ecstatic (purrrr!) to announce the official reissue of Hiroshi Suzuki's glorious jazz-fusion-funk Holy Grail Cat (originally released in 1976), sourced from the original masters and available on limited edition 180 gram vinyl mastered at half speed for full audiophile sound, as well as on digipack CD. Both versions come with liner notes by Teruo Isono.
Cat was recorded in October 1975 at at Nippon Columbia Studio, while Hiroshi Suzuki was visiting his home country of Japan after moving to Las Vegas in 1971 to play with Buddy Rich and perfect his craft. Back on his old stomping grounds, the man known as Neko (Cat) immediately reunited with his dear friends for an epic two day session of groove magic. The chemistry was still intact. The skills and style had grown.
The result, Cat, is a smooth masterpiece, a deep and soulful affair where stunning trombone solos by Hiroshi Suzuki flirt with Takeru Muraoka's heavenly saxophone and the sensual rhythm section of Hiromasa Suzuki (keyboards), Kunimitsu Inaba (bass), and Akira Ishikawa (drums).
Celebrated in jazz collectors circles, in the lofi beat scene, and among music diggers around the world, Cat has become one of the most sought-after Japanese jazz albums of all time and, much like Ryo Fukui's Scenery, has fascinated old and young generations alike.

Points of interests

- For fans of jazz, fusion, funk, trombone, Japanese jazz, smooth rides, cats, allure.

- Official reissue of the glorious jazz-fusion album by Japanese trombonist extraordinaire Hiroshi "Neko" Suzuki.

- 10th release from We Release Jazz, following Ryo Fukui's Scenery, Mellow Dream, A Letter from Slowboat, and Ryo Fukui in New York, the soundtrack of Le Cercle Rouge by Eric Demarsan, Stuff Combe 5 + Percussion, Marc Moulin's Placebo Live 1971 and Boillat Thérace Quintet albums. We Release Jazz is the sister-label of Geneva-based WRWTFWW Records (Midori Takada's Through The Looking Glass and Lunar Cruise with Masahiko Sato, Pierre Barouh's Le Pollen, Jun Fuka-machi's Nicole, Grauzone's discography, …)
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The Standard Edition - Territory - NO Sales to Japan
Ryo Fukui's 1976 highly sought-after follow up to SCENERY!
LP Edition: Mastered at half speed, 140g vinyl, Sticker

We Release Jazz (WRWTFWW Records' new sister-label) is thrilled to present the official reissue of criminally overlooked Japanese jazz gem Mellow Dream (1977) by Hokkaido pianist wunderkind Ryo Fukui, released in conjunction with the its legendary predecessor Scenery, sourced from the original masters and mastered at half speed.

Firmly standing on the foundation he laid down with Scenery, Ryo Fukui continues his exploration of modal, bop and cool jazz sounds with meticulous grace and absolute mastery. As its title suggests, Mellow Dream ventures into slightly mellower, more soulful, and sometimes more contemplative territories (the Bill Evans-reminiscent "Mellow Dream" and "My Foolish Heart") while still packing the commanding punch Fukui's work is loved for, as heard on the amazingly bombastic "Baron Potato Blues" or the gigantic McCoy Tyner/John Coltrane-influenced "Horizon" which sees each member of the trio (Satoshi Denpo is on bass and Yoshinori Fukui is on drums) demonstrating their virtuosity for 9 exhilarating minutes. With his sophomore album, Ryo Fukui swings from melancholy to vibrant joy with ease, reminding us that jazz is best served with a pinch of blues, and displays an immensely rare combination of pure talent, unique personal approach and focused discipline. The man undeniably deserves a spot in the pantheon of all-time great jazz pianists.

After releasing the outstanding Scenery and Mellow Dream back to back, Ryo Fukui worked on developing his live skills, often performing at Sapporo's Slowboat Jazz Club (which he co-founded with his wife Yasuko Fukui), and even releasing 2 live albums. He sadly passed away in March 2016, leaving behind a legacy of works that all jazz lovers should explore.


Tracklisting Vinyl LP
A1 Mellow Dream
A2 My Foolish Heart
A3 Baron Potato Blues
B1 What's New
B2 Horizon
B3 My Funny Valentine

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-NO SALES TO JAPAN-
LP: 180g vinyl, half speed mastered, heavy sleeve, obi, liner notes, sticker

Genre: Jazz, Hard Bop, Contemporary Jazz, Soulful, Solo Piano

Tracklisting LP
A1. Voyage
A2. Scenery
A3. Mellow Dream
A4. Nobody Knows The Trouble I've Seen
B1. Nobody's
B2. My Conception
B3. After Hours
B4. Nord Tracklisting CD
01. Voyage
02. Scenery
03. Mellow Dream
04. Nobody Knows The Trouble I've Seen
05. Nobody's
06. My Conception
07. After Hours
08. Nord



Info

We Release Jazz is very happy to announce the official reissue of Ryo Fukui's only solo piano al-bum, recorded live, June 4-5, 1994 at The Lutheran Hall in Sapporo. Sourced from the original mas-ters, this intimate offering from the Japanese jazz legend is available on limited edition 180 gram vinyl mastered at half speed for full audiophile sound, as well as on digipack CD. Both formats come with liner notes by Yusuke Ogawa.
Originally released on CD only by Sapporo Jazz Create in 1994, My Favorite Tune is a beautiful bop adventure which includes two superb compositions that Ryo Fukui wrote as an homage to his belo-ved Hokkaido region, the fan-favorite "Nord" and "Voyage", a tribute to his mentor Barry Harris ("No-body's"), alternate versions of his mega classics "Scenery" and "Mellow Dream", and, last but not least, bewitching takes on timeless gems by Sonny Clark and Avery Parrish.

My Favorite Tune plays like a cool summer night, full of contemplative notes and deep feelings, with Ryo Fukui baring his heart on the piano and displaying the soulful sophistication he is loved for. A true masterpiece completing his amazing discography.


Points of interests

- For fans of jazz, soul jazz, modal, hard bop, piano, Japanese jazz, Hokkaido, Scenery, cool sum-mer nights and intimate piano moments.

- Official reissue of the only solo piano album by legendary Hokkaido pianist Ryo Fukui.

- 11th release from We Release Jazz, notably following Hiroshi Suzuki's Cat, Ryo Fukui's Scenery and Mellow Dream, the soundtrack of Le Cercle Rouge by Eric Demarsan, and Marc Moulin's Pla-cebo Live 1971. We Release Jazz is the sister-label of Geneva-based WRWTFWW Records.

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Territory - NO Sales to Japan
Ryo Fukui's 1977 highly sought-after jazz gem MELLOW DREAM in a Deluxe Limited Edition 2018 Reissue CD

We Release Jazz (WRWTFWW Records' new sister-label) is thrilled to present the official reissue of criminally overlooked Japanese jazz gem Mellow Dream (1977) by Hokkaido pianist wunderkind Ryo Fukui, released in conjunction with the its legendary predecessor Scenery, sourced from the original masters and available on limited edition 180g vinyl mastered at half speed for audiophile sound as and on digipack CD.

Firmly standing on the foundation he laid down with Scenery, Ryo Fukui continues his exploration of modal, bop and cool jazz sounds with meticulous grace and absolute mastery. As its title suggests, Mellow Dream ventures into slightly mellower, more soulful, and sometimes more contemplative territories (the Bill Evans-reminiscent "Mellow Dream" and "My Foolish Heart") while still packing the commanding punch Fukui's work is loved for, as heard on the amazingly bombastic "Baron Potato Blues" or the gigantic McCoy Tyner/John Coltrane-influenced "Horizon" which sees each member of the trio (Satoshi Denpo is on bass and Yoshinori Fukui is on drums) demonstrating their virtuosity for 9 exhilarating minutes. With his sophomore album, Ryo Fukui swings from melancholy to vibrant joy with ease, reminding us that jazz is best served with a pinch of blues, and displays an immensely rare combination of pure talent, unique personal approach and focused discipline. The man undeniably deserves a spot in the pantheon of all-time great jazz pianists.

After releasing the outstanding Scenery and Mellow Dream back to back, Ryo Fukui worked on developing his live skills, often performing at Sapporo's Slowboat Jazz Club (which he co-founded with his wife Yasuko Fukui), and even releasing 2 live albums. He sadly passed away in March 2016, leaving behind a legacy of works that all jazz lovers should explore.

Tracklisting CD
01 Mellow Dream
02 My Foolish Heart
03 Baron Potato Blues
04 What's New
05 Horizon
06 My Funny Valentine
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