About

Since the late 1960s, jazz drummer Takeo Moriyama has been a dominant force in the Japanese free jazz scene, initially with the Yosuke Yamashita Trio, and more recently, collaborating with the Kyoto Jazz Sextet.

Recorded in 1980 with his quartet featuring Fumio Itabashi, the album Smile is renowned for being the first to include the emotionally rich Japanese masterpiece "Watarase." Other highlights include the spirited "Exchange" and the beautifully poignant "Good Bye." Each track is a standout, offering a grand-scale performance where tranquility and movement organically intertwine, making it one of the key albums in the history of Japanese jazz. 

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In 1967, drummer Takeo Moriyama joined pianist Yosuke Yamashita’s group, later forming a legendary trio together with saxophonist Seiichi Nakamura in 1969. This group consisting of Moriyama, Yamashita, and Nakamura became known worldwide as one of Japan's leading free jazz combos. Moriyama left the group in 1975 and later returned to the scene in 1977 with the Flush Up live album, where he evolved and deepened his musicality in a more melodic and rhythmic direction. Moriyama maintained the same musical passion that he had with the Yamashita Trio, opening up new horizons for himself and Japanese jazz. His music during this period culminated with the recording of the Smile LP in 1980. — (via Bandcamp)

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Label: Nipponophone
Series: J-Digs
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album, Limited Edition, Reissue, Clear
Reissued: 2025 / Originally Released: 1981
Genre: Jazz
Style: Modal, Japanese Jazz

File under: Japanese Jazz
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