TAKERU MURAOKA & HIS NEW GROUP - SOFT LANDING LP (Blue VInyl)

The second album by saxophonist Takeru Muraoka, a key figure in Japan’s New Jazz movement of the late 1960s and early 1970s, Soft Landing was originally released in 1978. A standout fusion recording, the album blends crossover jazz, funk, and disco, driven by cutting-edge grooves and an energetic, edgy ensemble. Joined by accomplished musicians including trumpeter Susumu Kazuhara and keyboardist Masanori Sasaji, Muraoka delivers a diverse collection ranging from funky, laid-back tracks to exhilarating, fast-paced performances. Now available on color vinyl for the first time.

Mitsutaka Nagira (Music Critic):

During my travels across France, Sweden, and Finland, I was struck by the growing popularity of Japanese jazz. In restaurants and bars where records were playing, I repeatedly came across Japanese jazz albums. Many of these European venues are closer to DJ bars than traditional jazz cafés, naturally favoring records that work equally well for attentive listening and as background music.

Takeru Muraoka’s Soft Landing sits right at the heart of this scene. Featuring musicians from Akira Ishikawa’s musical circle, the album brings together accomplished players who also supported artists such as Yoshitaka Minami, Tatsuro Yamashita, and Anri during the City Pop era. Keyboardist Masanori Sasaji was also a member of Mariah.

The band effortlessly explores the many dimensions of late-1970s fusion, weaving together jazz, funk, and disco. The mood shifts from light and refreshing passages to deep, weighty grooves, with each track offering a distinct character. While the musicians possess the versatility of seasoned studio players, their connection to Muraoka and Terumasa Hino’s musical circle brings a more assertive, adventurous edge to their performances and solos.