Fascinating double CD of the recordings of the Shinchu-Gun soldiers stationed in Japan 1950-53. CD1 is of American jazz and boogie woogie, great in itself, but what is really interesting is the second CD. The soldiers play either Japanese songs or those composed out of their Japan experience, most notably by a certain Johnny Watson with titles such as "Pachinko Mambo", "Ikebukuro Hustle", "Shinbashi Blues" and "Nihonbashi Bop" all areas of Tokyo given an American twist. Wonderful stuff


Price:  £20.99

Following the war the Japanese embraced jazz with a passion. There was a no more passionate singer than Nancy Umeki who on this compilation album sings renditions of jazz standards such as 'My Foolish Heart', 'Sentimental Me' sung in English, and half a dozen Japanese songs, sung in Japanese that nevertheless keep the same mood.


Price:  £17.99

Subtitled "The beginning of the modern jazz age 1947-1963". Jazz bands such as Victor Hot Club, Gay Qunitet, Victor Gay Bo and, Gay Septet (why gay?) perform standards from the 1950s, such as "What is This Thing Called Love" to modern jazz classics including "Moanin'""Milestones" and "Now's the Time". 21 tracks, and an interesting document of the Victor catalogue.


Price:  £17.99

Excellent compilation album featuring the best of the current crop of the very innovative Japanese jazz musicians operating in Japan and overseas. From hip, club influences to more straight ahead performances, this album is a great taster of the Japanese jazz underground. Artists include Yoshiaki Masuo (on guitar) and a stunning violin version by Naoko Terai of Herbie Hancock's "Cantaloupe Island". Comes with informative English liner notes.


Price:  £17.99

Jazz vocalist who has chosen a fascinating repertroire of songs and great musicians to work with., From Hoagy Carmichael's "Hong Kong Blues" and "Chattanooga Choo Choo" to Nenes "Kogane no Hana" and Soul Flower/Heatwave's "Mangetsu no Yube". Atmospheric live recording featuring Keisuke Ohta on violin and Takero Sekijima on tuba and recorder of Cicala Mvta.


Price:  £17.99

Jazz meets indies group who have gained cult following in Europe. This album is of mostly Japanese pop tunes.


Price:  £17.99

The group's first album that has largely been forgotten but sounds better than ever in their renaissance. Recently performed at the Fuji rock festival.


Price:  £17.99

Second album originally released in 1993.


Price:  £17.99

Funk and innovative brass arrangements make this one of the best 'Shibu' albums..


Price:  £17.99

11 piece band on an album that swings.


Price:  £17.99

Recorded just before they went to Europe in 1998.


Price:  £17.99

Pianist Kobayashi is influenced by Bach, Keith Jarrett and Screabin, and switches easily between the classically trained pianist and jazz improvisor. All original compositions, her piano is accompanied by bass and drums.


Price:  £17.99

Japanese pianist is joined by Finnish trombone and bassist, who used to play with Cecil Taylor.


Price:  £17.99

Trombone,bass, drums and percussion unit, much praised for their technique and interplay, re-released onto CD, orignally an acclaimed 1991 cassette.


Price:  £17.99

Japanese jazz quintet who met and play in New York. Soft jazz with world music influences who perform on vibes, percussion, saxes, guitar, bass and drums.


Price:  £17.99

Free jazz bass player, recorded during France tour with French musicians, Alain Joule and Michel Doneda.


Price:  £17.99

Includes versions of Okinawan Shokichi Kina's "Hana", plus Mingus, Haden,and the Beatles.


Price:  £17.99

New Age waffle? sort of. Bach pieces played on Japanese koto (harp) with dreamy synthesizers in the background.


Price:  £17.99

Excellent Japanese jazz outfit, who play music of a wide range of styles, featuring among others songs by Suzanne Vega and Michael Jackson, but arranged with great skill and imagination.


Price:  £17.99