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 10 releases from the Universal label, covering various genres such as jazz, French, bossa nova and easy listening. See also the RCA selection out at the same time.

Nana Mouskouri "Nana" (1965)

English-sung album by the famous Greek singer, featuring American pianist Bobby Scott.
Audio samples at Tower Records

Fontana UCCU-3102
Out now (4/22), ¥1905 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Amazon, HMV, Amazon U.S.

Luiz Henrique "Listen to me" (1965)

Brazilian singer-songwriter Luiz Henrique sings in English in this New York recording.
First time on CD in the world.
Audio samples at Tower Records

Fontana UCCU-3103
Out now (4/22), ¥1905 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Amazon, HMV, Amazon U.S.

Claude Nougaro "Petit Taureau" (1967)

Jazzy French chanson singer's 1967 album.
First time on CD in Japan.
Audio samples at Tower Records

Decca UCCU-3104
Out now (4/22), ¥1905 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Amazon, HMV, Amazon U.S.

Bill Harris "Great Guitar Sounds" (1958)

3rd album by this jazz guitarist, entirely solo containing standards and originals performed on warm sounding nylon-stringed guitar.
First time on CD in the world.
Audio samples at Tower Records

Mercury UCCU-3105
Out now (4/22), ¥1905 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Amazon, HMV, Amazon U.S.

Ahmad Jamal "Jamal at the Penthouse" (1959)

First recording with strings by this pianist loved by Miles Davis.
Audio samples at Tower Records

Argo UCCU-3106
Out now (4/22), ¥1905 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Amazon, HMV, Amazon U.S.

Ramsey Lewis "The Piano Player" (1969)

Black pianist from the Argo/Cadet label, with bass, drums, strings and brass.
First time on CD in the world.
Audio samples at Tower Records

Cadet UCCU-3107
Out now (4/22), ¥1905 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Amazon, HMV, Amazon U.S.

Lennie Dale "Um Show De Bossa" (1963)

Debut album by American dancer/singer, a recording of a live show in Copacabana, backed by Bossa Tres.
Audio samples at Tower Records

Elenco UCCU-3108
Out now (4/22), ¥1905 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Amazon, HMV, Amazon U.S.

The Sandpipers "Spanish Album" (1969)

Famous male chorus group's 1969 album.
First time on CD in the world.
Audio samples at Tower Records

A&M UCCU-3109
Out now (4/22), ¥1905 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Amazon, HMV, Amazon U.S.

Peter Duchin "Windmills Of Your Mind" (1969)

Easy listening white pianist. Songs linked together with strings.
First time on CD in the world.
Audio samples at Tower Records

Decca UCCU-3110
Out now (4/22), ¥1905 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Amazon, HMV, Amazon U.S.

Anita O'Day "Cool Heat" (1959)

American jazz singer.
Audio samples at Tower Records

Verve UCCU-3111
Out now (4/22), ¥1905 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Amazon, HMV, Amazon U.S.