About

峰厚介（Mine Kosuke): Japanese jazz and jazz-fusion saxophonist. Born on February 6, 1944 in Tokyo. Released his debut leader album in 1970 on Japanese jazz label Three Blind Mice (also TBM first release).

He left the clarinet program at his high school to turn pro in 1962 with the Blue Seven. In 1969 he earned accolades as a member of Masabumi Kikuchi's quintet; a year later he released his first record, Morning Tide. He studied in the US for a time in the seventies, and returned to Japan in 1975 with an interest in fusion, recording Sunshower and other records as a founding member of Native Son. He worked with many jazz musicians, including Masabumi Kikuchi, Mal Waldron, Gil Evans, and Sadao Watanabe. He has more recently recorded with a standard quintet and with Masahiko TogashI's J.J. Spirits. — (via Jazz Music Archives)

—

Originally released in 1971 as one of the earliest Three Blind Mice titles, 2nd Album captures Kosuke Mine leading a brilliant young quintet through modal and hard-bop originals with striking interplay and freedom. Combining fiery improvisation with lyrical introspection, it laid the foundation for the modern Japanese jazz aesthetic. This reissue restores the full analog depth and immediacy of the original master tapes.  — (via Jazz Messengers)

—

Following the wave of critical acclaim for his debut, the prodigious Japanese saxophonist Kosuke Mine cemented his place in the modern jazz world with the release of his 2nd Album, recorded in Tokyo in late 1970 and originally issued on the revered Three Blind Mice label. Now, this pivotal work is available again, celebrating a new generation of jazz lovers and collectors.

Rising to the forefront of the Japanese jazz scene, Kosuke Mine assembled an all-star quintet featuring trombonist Takashi Imai, guitarist Yoshiaki Masuo, bassist Yoshio “Chin” Suzuki, and drummer Hiroshi Murakami—several of whom had earned their renown as members of Sadao Watanabe’s top-tier rhythm section. Their union produced a strikingly intense and soulful post-bop sound, with compositions rooted in modal structures that echo the fervor and spiritual drive of John Coltrane’s quartet, yet ringing with a distinctly modern Japanese voice.

The 2nd Album showcases Mine's exceptional skill on both alto and soprano saxophones, matched by the aggressive rhythm section and heartfelt improvisations from each member. The interplay between the musicians—particularly the fiery exchanges and lyrical runs—cements this recording as a cornerstone of Japanese jazz. — (via SoundOhm)

—
2025 Japan reissue
180g Vinyl Premium Limited Edition
Remastering & Cutting: Bernie Grundman
Original reprint liner notes

↓
Label: Three Blind Mice
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album, Limited Edition, Reissue, Remastered, 180g
Reissued: 2025 / Original release: 1971
Genre: Jazz
Style: Post Bop, Japanese Jazz

File under: Japanese Jazz // Three Blind Mice
⦿