About

This work is by the duo combo of Japanese jazz vibraphonist Hiroshi Matsumoto and pianist Hideo Ichikawa. It is a concept album that attempts to portray the "big city of Tokyo" of the time throughout the entire work. 

"It doesn't matter if it doesn't sell, let's make a record that smells of culture. I want Japanese people to make Japanese jazz." In response to the director's words, Hiroshi Matsumoto decided to record this work, "Megalopolis". The concept is "Tokyo". Inspired by the view of Tokyo, which was rapidly transforming, from the plane, he began production. Matsumoto, Hideo Ichikawa, Kunimitsu Inaba, and Motohiko Hino set up in a circle so that they could see each other's faces and movements, and they deliberately did not have detailed meetings before recording. 

The suite-like masterpiece "A Day in the City" "Nostalgia" about the longing for something lost, "Megalopolis" with its refreshing and uplifting bird's-eye view of the city, "Serenade" with its bittersweet ennui, and "City Irritation" that digs deep into the soul. This is a masterpiece that depicts a huge city and the people who live there, with performances full of sharp sensitivity and creativity. The original was released as one disc in Victor's "Japanese Jazz" series. — Yusuke Ogawa (Universounds / Deep Jazz Reality)

A sublime set from late 60s Japan – featuring piano and vibes at the lead, plus bits of flute and some nicely snapping percussion. The feel here is flowing, graceful, and creative – definitely modern in its orientation, but never too far outside – and always concerned with the overall shape, tone, and color of the record. Finding a link for the style is a bit difficult – because at some points, the record has the soul of a Bobby Hutcherson 60s release, but at others it's got the airier, more spacious sound of the MJQ – although we'd definitely say that the Hutcherson influence dominates, and many of the best numbers here have a sound that's not unlike some of Bobby's best Blue Notes. Titles are all in Japanese, as are the players listed – but the set's one heck of a great little record, especially if you dig soulful vibes from the 60s! — (via Dusty Groove Inc)

↓
Label: Victor World Group 
Series: HMV Project Re:Vinyl, Deep Jazz Reality
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album, Limited Edition, Reissue, Gatefold
Reissued: 2025 / Originally released: 1969
Genre: Jazz, Japanese Jazz
Style: Modal, Post Bop

File under: Jazz // Japanese Jazz
⦿