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A heretical masterpiece with an overwhelming presence in the history of Japanese jazz. Jiro Inagaki was one of the central figures in the development of jazz rock in Japan. Inagaki, who had doubts about the existing jazz music, turned the helm to jazz-rock at once with this album recorded in 1970. From the opening track "The Vamp" to the closing "Head Rock," Inagaki poured all his ideas and passion into this jazz-rock album that leaves no time to exhale. — (via Light in the Attic)
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Japanese saxophonist Jiro Inagaki was one of the key figures in shaping jazz-rock in Japan, and Head Rock, recorded with his Soul Media group in 1970, captures him at full tilt. The record explodes with restless invention - 'The Vamp' sets the tone with its swaggering groove, while 'Twenty One' and 'Spoonful' merge rock weight with improvisational fire. On the flip, 'Back To Rack' rides a funk-driven pulse, and 'High Jack' locks into raw, horn-led momentum. 'The Ground For Peace' adds a touch of reflective contrast before the furious title track closes things out. Equal parts experiment and declaration, this remains one of the most uncompromising statements of Japanese jazz history - loud, confrontational and years ahead of its time. — (via Juno)

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From the opening tune “The Vamp” to the final “Head Rock”, this album is a dazzling jazz rock showcase with dreadnought songs that are filled with ideas and passion. This is a masterpiece that has an overwhelming presence in the history of jazz in Japan, as an heresy left on the prestigious jazz label Takt. — (via Soundohm)

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Label: Nipponophone
Series: Takt Jazz Series, J-Digs
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album, Limited Edition, Reissue, Stereo, Clear Red
Reissued: 2025 / Original release: 1970
Genre: Jazz, Rock
Style: Jazz-Rock, Japanese Jazz

File under: Japanese Jazz 
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