Tokyo's Coolest Sound

Taken from his upcoming book "Marshall McLuhan kōkoku dairiten. Konishi Yasuharu. Disc Guide 200mai.", Konishi-san brings us two series of rare albums being re-issued on CD.

While in the same direction as the columbia*readymade Japanese jazz-rock reissues from last year, these are all albums by foreign artists (with one exception). Most are available here for the first time on CD in Japan, some of them first time in the world!

Below are 6 releases from the RCA label. See also the Universal selection for 10 more releases out at the same time.

John Hartford "John Hartford" (1969)

American singer-songwriter, dancing banjo player. Known for writing Glen Campbell's "Gentle On My Mind" and other hits.
First time on CD in Japan.
Audio samples at Tower Records

RCA BVCM-35616
Out now (4/22), ¥1800 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Amazon, HMV

Jim Weatherly "A Gentler Time" (1973)

American singer-songwriter known for writing Gladys Knight & the Pips' "Neither One Of Us (Wants To Be The First To Say Goodbye)", "Midnight Train to Georgia", "Where Peaceful Waters Flow".
First album.
Audio samples at Tower Records

RCA BVCM-35617
Out now (4/22), ¥1800 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Amazon, HMV

Hugo Montenegro "Good Vibrations" (1969)

Famous for his soundtrack works, Hugo has also done a lot of instrumental covers.
This album includes covers of the Beach Boys' "Good Vibrations", also "Happy Together", "L'amour est bleu" ("Love Is Blue").
Audio samples at Tower Records

RCA BVCM-35618
Out now (4/22), ¥1800 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Amazon, HMV

Sawai Tadao / Yamamoto Hōzan "koto Sebastian Bach daizenshū" (1971)
沢井忠夫 / 山本邦山 "琴 セバスチャン バッハ大全集"

The only Japanese artist in this series of reissues, koto player Sawai Tadao here performs Bach pieces together with Yamamoto Hōzan on shakuhachi (Japanese wooden flute), accompanied by jazz guitar, bass and drums. Two albums were released, plus this compilation that combines the best from the two.
First time on CD in the world.
Audio samples at Tower Records

BMG BVCM-35619
Out now (4/22), ¥1800 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Amazon, HMV

Chet Atkins "Solo Flights" (1968)

Hit-maker American guitarist influential to the country, rock and popular music scenes. This album contains solo covers of pop, jazz and French songs.
First time on CD in the world.
Audio samples at Tower Records

RCA BVCM-35620
Out now (4/22), ¥1800 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Amazon, HMV

Los Indios Tabajaras "Maria Elena" (1963)

Guitar duo of two Brazilian brothers who were popular in the 60's and 70's.
First time on CD in Japan.
Audio samples at Tower Records

RCA BVCM-35621
Out now (4/22), ¥1800 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Amazon, HMV