Ryukyu Rare Groove Crossover: Okinawa Jazz Funk 1964-1984 vinyl

This vinyl-only survey refracts Okinawan folk traditions through vivid jazz-funk and big band arrangements, creating a prismatic, highly listenable archive of Japan's southern soul. Kiyoshi Yamaya's influence runs deep, his arrangements glowing with cinematic elegance on 'Ryukyu Miyabi 2' through to the festival-like drive of 'Ryukyu No Matsuri 1'. The percussive triptych 'Nishinjo-bushi/Asadoya Yunta/Tanchame' shifts with deft energy, while his solo pieces like 'Ryukyu No Sora' feel airier, almost impressionistic. Tadaaki Misago & Tokyo Cuban Boys stir big band verve into 'Tanchame-bushi' and 'Hatoma-bushi', while Minoru Murayama's 'Asadoya Yunta' leans more contemplative. Kifu Mitsuhashi's takes on 'Tanchame' and 'Asadoya Yunta' feel grounded in breath and space, balancing the brassier moments with shakuhachi-led intimacy. The sequencing cleverly blurs the line between groove-heavy reimagination and respectful homage, shaping a dialogue that's rhythmic, emotive and alive. A treasure trove for collectors of Wamono, Asian jazz and crossover rarities and a striking monument to the genreless fluidity of folk, when placed in the right hands.