Howard Williams (check his amazing Japan Blues show on NTS radio!) has assembled a compilation of Japanese funk, soul and disco for Ace Records offshoot BGP International.
From mavericks like Haruomi Hosono of the Yellow Magic Orchestra, with his low-down proto-disco groove, to soul singer Minako Yoshida belting it out on the epic title track; jazz vocalist Yasuko Agawa (of LA Nights fame) sweetly covers Roberta Flack, while Memphis soul group Ebonee Webb, funk up a Japanese folk tune, and that's just for starters. This compilation shows that Japan not only voraciously consumed soul and its offshoot genres, but - unknown to the rest of the world - it carved out its own sound too.
With original sleeves and label artwork, and voluminous sleeve notes.
- A1 By By Session Band
- A2 Sentimental Hotel
- A3 Barato Yajuu
- A4 Why Don't You Move In With Me
- B1 Jiken Ga Okitara Bell Ga Naru
- B2 Summer Champion
- B3 Dancin'
- B4 Rainbow Paradise
- C1 Uragiri
- C2 Maboroshi No Hito
- C3 Banana
- D1 Funky! "Miyo" Chan
- D2 Yashow Macashow
- D3 Lovin' Mighty Fire