Tags: Japanese Disco

Review: For the latest edition of their essential Wamano A to Z compilation series - the third to date - DJ Yoshiwza Dynamite JP and Chintam have decided to focus on "Japanese light mellow funk, disco and boogie" tracks recorded between 1978 and '88. Like its' predecessors, the eight-track set is heavy on obscurities and little-known cuts, as well as bona fide killer cuts. There's much to savour throughout, from the intergalactic, slap-bass propelled boogie brilliance of Jadoes' 'Friday Night (Extended Mix)' and the laidback funk bliss of Yumi Sato's 'Ame', to the smooth jazz-funk lusciousness of Hitomi Tohyama's 'Rainy Driver' and the Latin-infused, Teena Marie style electrofunk brilliance of Mizuki Koyami's 'Kare Niwa Kanawanai'.

Review: For its last few outings, Gamm has rather been heading back to its roots. But now the label reverts away from hip-hop and back towards the Latin and disco sounds it has become best known for. And that's no bad thing as Koichi Toyama turns on his machines and gets the scalpel out to serve up some distinctive edits of four fiery broken beat and nu jazz gems. There are playful sax leads on the opener, muted vibes on the shuffling samba stylings of 'Santa Monica' and busier Rhodes chords on 'Grama Grass' before the jazz dancer that is 'Samba Chimba' offers another golden moment to close.

Review: Ruriko Ohgami is a Japanese singer. She released two albums in 1978, Typhoon Lady and Dreamer From West. A repress of the former title is available now, considered 'a masterpiece of Japanese lady soul' that is still highly sought after 40 years since the original release. Typhoon Lady is testament not only to the new found popularity of Japanese music, but also as a result of Cut Creator$ and Muro's sampling of 'Sexy Woman' back in 2008. The price of the original release never ceases to soar on the secondhand market, so don't sleep on this one!

Review: Japan's Hiroshi Sato is well known to record obsessives who value his ability to craft pure musical nostalgia for a place you haven't even been to, He has turnabout tens of essential records, many of which are in the process of being reissued right now. His masterful jazz-funk classic Orient is one of his best known works from 1979 but All Of Me is another classic. It came much later in 1995 and is a killer pop record with glistening synths, infectious drum programming and contributions from a number of guests.

Review: Hailing from Japan, the Cat Boys is a lounge funk band that has earned praise from Gilles Peterson. In 2023, they rose anew as Super Cats and unleashed their debut album under the same name. Inspired by 90s acid jazz, Sly Stone, and gospel, the album offers a soulful and funky journey while Yuima Enya's vocals, which come both in Japanese and English, add extra layers of enchantment. Tracks range from funky rap compositions to soul tunes, a psychedelic dub of Chaka Khan's hit, and a Japanese rendition of Roberta Flack's 'Feel Like Makin' Love.' With synth-driven disco and crossover house, the album explores melancholy and purity in alluring fashion.