J-Jazz: Deep Modern Jazz from Japan 1969-1984

The latest Jazz compilation from BBE shining the spotlight on some of the finest Jazz to come out of Japan during the golden era


BBE Music teamed up with Tony Higgins and Mike Peden on their latest Jazz compilation series to showcase some of the most noteworthy and sought-after jazz to come out of Japan. Compiled from their own vast Jazz collections, J-Jazz perfectly illustrates the diverse range of styles traversed by Japanese Jazz artists during what is regarded as a golden era spanning the 1960s to the 1980s. Three volumes deep, this series features many first-time reissues as well as mega-rare private press cuts, all restored and mastered at the Grammy-nominated Carvery Studio. Post-war Japan saw a vibrant modern jazz scene develop, giving birth to some legendary artists, composers and musicians such as Koichi Matsukaze, Aizawa Tohru Quartet and Takeo Moriyama, many of whose recordings were known only to the collector circuit. BBE successfully unveils the obscure world of Japanese jazz during this significant period by being the first to officially release these tracks outside of Japan.

‘J Jazz Volume 3: Deep Modern Jazz from Japan’ is available on 3LP vinyl, CD, and digital here.