The Japanese jazz scene of the 1970s is often lauded for its audacious experimentalism, and Isao Suzuki’s Orang-Utan, released under the iconic Three Blind Mice label, stands as one of Japanese jazz-funk's cult favourite releases. Orang-Utan is a visceral journey into the wilds of Japanese jazz, blending modal brilliance, free improvisation, and raw emotion. Anchored by Suzuki's masterful bass work, Kazumi Watanabe's guitar ingenuity, and Kenji Mori's superb horn play, the album balances delicate ballads like “My One and Only Love” with the primal, unrestrained energy of the title track. Bold, untamed, and timeless, Orang-Utan stands as a landmark in Japan’s golden era of jazz. — The Analog Vault
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2024 Japan reissue
180g Vinyl Premium Limited Edition
Remastering & Cutting: Bernie Grundman
Original reprint liner notes