Pick Up Review
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Jazz Samba [SHM-SACD] [Limited Release] [Cardboard Sleeve (mini LP)]Stan Getz/Charlie ByrdClassic jazz albumGreat version of a class jazz album. SHM-SACD sounds fantastic. Great packaging. Great price. Highly recommended.
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Wardenclyffe Tower [Limited Edition] [SACD Hybrid] [Cardboard Sleeve]
Allan HoldsworthWardenclyffe Tower [Limited Edition] [SACD Hybrid] [Cardboard Sleeve]Allan HoldsworthExcellentIt is one of my favourite guitar artist's. Sound is very good and album also. I recommend to others as well.
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None Too Soon [Limited Edition] [SACD Hybrid] [Cardboard Sleeve]
Allan HoldsworthNone Too Soon [Limited Edition] [SACD Hybrid] [Cardboard Sleeve]Allan HoldsworthExcellentVery talented guitarist and one of my favourites. Album and sound are very good. I recommend to others as well.
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Then! [Limited Edition] [SACD Hybrid] [Cardboard Sleeve]
Allan HoldsworthThen! [Limited Edition] [SACD Hybrid] [Cardboard Sleeve]Allan HoldsworthExcellentVery good album. My favourite guitar player and very talented artist. Sound is good. I recommend to others as well.
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Wild is the Wind [UHQCD] [Limited Release]Nina SimoneGreat release!One of my all time favourite albums by female singer. Beautiful re-issue on UHQCD and great sound! An absolute must buy.
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Trio Of Trios [SHM-CD]Charles LloydThree is absolutely a magic number hereAs a sound seeker, Lloyd’s restless creativity has perhaps found no greater manifestation than on his latest masterwork, an expansive project that encompasses three individual albums each pre-senting him in a different trio setting - a Trio of Trios. The first, Trios: Chapel, features Lloyd with guitarist Bill Frisell and bassist Thomas Morgan. The second, Trios: Ocean, with guitarist Anthony Wilson and pianist Gerald Clayton. The third, Trios: Sacred Thread, with guitarist Julian Lage and percussionist Zakir Hussain. Impossible to contain, the three movements within Trio of Trios find master and curator Lloyd reinventing himself again, along with every invention he’s already imagined throughout his seven-decade career.
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Africa Deluxe Edition [Limited Release]Pharoah SandersOne of his best albumsAfrica is a mix of post bop and avant-garde jazz. Pharoah Sanders is a great explorer and his creative powers are quite apparent on Africa.
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The Chopin ProjectKurt Rosenwinkel & Jean-Paul BrodbeckBon appetite!The Chopin Project is clearly a canvas of musical conversation that takes place within the quartet; a kind of story crafted from selected Chopin works. One could say that Chopin’s melodies, slightly improvised the first time round serve as a compass point for each musician to unravel their own personal dialogue with Chopin. This album can only therefore be described as a masterclass in re-imagining one of the greatest classical composers of our time, performed by some of the greatest contemporary musicians of our time.
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River: The Joni Letters [SHM-CD]Herbie HancockI liked it just fineThe River: The Joni Letters is very much a musical love letter and one which warrants your attention if you - like me - might have missed it in the past. Whether you are already a fan or are revisiting, this reissue is quite welcome.
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Long GoneJoshua Redman, Brad Mehldau, Christian McBride & Brian BladeAcross slinky blues and jamming gospelSaxophonist Joshua Redman, pianist Brad Mehldau, bassist Christian McBride, and drummer Brian Blade are long-established masters, and a foregone conclusion that what you’re about to hear will surely be stellar. And it is. LongGone ultimately isn’t about the dexterity of the individual. It’s a textbook display of what happens when a group of musicians — each a leader in his own right-understand and trust one another enough to let the music go where it must.
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Somuni [Japan Bonus Track]Snarky Puppy & Metropole OrkestSomni reviewMany people say that sleeping is like a free trial of death, you’re not dead, but you’re not fully experiencing what it means to be alive either. It’s a vague, humorous explanation. Somni, on the other hand, is an excellent portrayal of the trance and the journey of being in the land of dreams. It doesn’t use words, but pure sonic experience. Unlike most of their other work, here you find melodies that feel suspended in the air and sound textures that intrigue. An interesting recording, 100% recommended.
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Mari Nakamoto III [Limited Release]Mari NakamotoElegant Reissue of a Jazz ClassicThis reissue of “Mari Nakamoto III” is an excellent presentation of one of the finest vocal jazz recordings from Japan. Mari Nakamoto’s voice is warm, expressive, and perfectly balanced with the trio behind her. Her phrasing feels natural and intimate, making familiar standards sound fresh and emotionally honest. The pressing quality is very good—quiet vinyl, smooth vocal presence, and a clean overall sound that preserves the charm of the original Three Blind Mice production. The jacket reproduction is also nicely done. For fans of vocal jazz or Japanese jazz, this album is essential, and it’s wonderful to have it available again in a limited edition. Highly recommended.
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Ginparis Session June 26. 1963 [Limited Release]Shin Seki Ongaku KenkyujoHistoric Japanese Jazz, Great ReissueThis limited reissue of the 1963 “Ginparis Session” is a wonderful preservation of an important moment in early Japanese jazz history. The performance captures the raw, intimate atmosphere of the Ginparis club, with lively interaction between the musicians and a beautiful sense of spontaneity. The sound quality is surprisingly clear for a recording from this era, and this pressing plays quietly with good dynamics. The jacket reproduction is nicely done and maintains the vintage charm of the original release. It is great to finally have this rare session available again for collectors and jazz fans. A valuable reissue for anyone interested in the roots of Japanese modern jazz. Highly recommended.
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Memory Lane [Clear Sky Blue Vinyl Edition]
Jiro Inagaki & Soul MediaMemory Lane [Clear Sky Blue Vinyl Edition]Jiro Inagaki & Soul MediaBeautiful timeless jazz-funkThis is a beautiful reissue of a timeless jazz-funk classic from Jiro Inagaki & Soul Media. The clear sky blue vinyl looks stunning in person and matches the warm, atmospheric vibe of the music perfectly. The sound quality is excellent — clean, full, and well-balanced with great presence on the horns and rhythm section. The album blends soulful grooves, mellow jazz lines, and a nostalgic mood that makes it easy to keep flipping back to Side A. Even if you’re not deeply into jazz-funk, this pressing is smooth, accessible, and very enjoyable from start to finish. A great addition to any vinyl collection.
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Toki [Limited Release]Hidefumi Toki QuartetExcellent reissue of jazz sessionThis limited reissue of Toki by the Hidefumi Toki Quartet is a wonderful addition for anyone who enjoys smooth, expressive Japanese jazz. The recording has a warm, intimate feel, and Toki’s saxophone tone is especially beautiful — rich, airy, and full of emotion. The pressing quality is impressive: low surface noise, clean dynamics, and a nice balance between the rhythm section and the lead lines. It’s the kind of record that feels great both for focused listening and for relaxing late-night spins. A timeless session that absolutely deserves to be back in print. Highly recommended if you’re exploring 70s–80s Japanese jazz or simply want a refined, soulful record in your collection.
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ZigazoIsao SuzukiGreat reissue from a bassistZigazo is a fantastic reissue from Isao Suzuki, showcasing his unique approach to tone, groove, and improvisation. The album blends deep, earthy bass lines with vibrant jazz fusion colors, creating a sound that is both experimental and very listenable. The pressing quality is excellent — clean playback, solid dynamics, and a warm, detailed low end that really highlights Suzuki’s musicianship. The vinyl feels well-produced and quiet, making the overall experience very enjoyable. Whether you’re a long-time collector of Japanese jazz or just discovering Suzuki’s work, this edition is a strong pick. A distinctive and rewarding record that’s easy to recommend.
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High-flying (Clear Pink Vinyl)Hiromasa SuzukiEnergetic and Wonderfully PressedThe clear pink vinyl edition of High-flying by Hiromasa Suzuki is an absolute joy to listen to. The album’s mix of jazz, fusion, and lively grooves feels as energetic today as ever, and this pressing really brings out the brightness and detail in the music. The soundstage is open and dynamic, with clear separation between instruments—perfect for appreciating Suzuki’s arrangements. The vinyl itself looks beautiful in clear pink and plays very cleanly with minimal surface noise. It adds a fun visual touch that matches the vibrant mood of the album. Packaging is solid and well printed, giving the release a premium feel overall. If you’re a fan of Japanese jazz fusion or collecting high-quality reissues, this version of High-flying is easy to recommend. A great pressing of a fantastic album.
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Improvisations [Limited Low-priced Reissue]Ravi Shankar - Bud ShankA visionary recordingSitar virtuoso Ravi Shankar was somewhat of a revolutionary, in that he successfully managed to combine jazz music with more traditional Indian melodies in an album that was arguably no more than just an experiment. This album proved that there was definite overlap to be found between the stylings of free jazz and Hindustani classical music despite that the scales, melodies and harmonies follow a completely different structure.
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Acoustic Weather ReportMakoto Kuriya, Koichi Osamu, Hiroyuki NoritakeThe acoustic version's different & greatI was excited to see what a jazz piano trio arrangement of fusion music would sound like. Even if you're not familiar with Weather Report, I think this arrangement is enjoyable enough. Makoto Kuriya's piano sound is clear and powerful. Koichi Osamu's thick, heavy, and powerful bass. Hiroyuki Noritake's drums are surprisingly vivid. I'd love to see more jazz and fusion sounds like this...
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Acoustic Weather Report 2Makoto Kuriya, Koichi Osamu, Hiroyuki NoritakeAcoustic version is goodThere are artists who play the Weather Report like this!! It's too great. I was surprised. The tension of the performance is great, but there is another arrangement.
