About

Saxophonist and clarinetist Toshiyuki Miyama formed his own ensemble called Jive Aces in 1950 and later renamed it The New Herd in 1958. From the end of the 1960's, The New Herd opened up new horizons in big band jazz by introducing innovative techniques and radical sounds. They are one of Japan’s most heralded jazz bands having won multiple national jazz awards for their works. Having a massive discography dating all the way back to 1965 and are still actively performing to this day although with a different lineup. Their original guitarist Yamaki Kōzaburo (山木幸三郎) had been actively performing with them till his passing in 2018 and would’ve turned 90 today.

The music recorded around 1970 is important in The New Herd’s history, and one of their most representative works is the album Nio & Pigeon, released by Nippon Columbia in 1972. This album is a masterpiece that seamlessly weaves a distinctly Japanese feeling with elaborate arrangements based on motifs of local customs, traditions, and scenes. A testament to their adaptability and musicianship.

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Label: Columbia
Series: Project Re:Vinyl, Deep Jazz Reality
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album, Reissue, Green Clear Vinyl, Gatefold
Country: Japan
Reissued: Mar 6, 2024 / Original Release:1972
Genre: Jazz
Style: Big Band, Contemporary Jazz, Jazz-Rock, Jazz-Funk
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File under: Japanese Jazz