Back catalogue: All genres

Review: On the second instalment in his Requests LPs series, veteran jazz pianist Tsuyoshi Yamamoto leads an iron-clad trio with Hiroshi Kagawa on bass and Toshio Osumi on drums, successfully dispatching yet another recorded magnum made up of well-recognised sheet pieces from his own discography. Made up entirely of Yamamoto standards solicited by fans in advance of the recording, the pianist was solicitous in turn, reeling off each piece with ease: 'For Once In My Life', 'Gentle Blues' and 'The Third Man' all make for headsy selections besides the usual repertoire, cementing Yamamoto's extemporary playing; his ad-libbing, cufflink-flicking talents as a pianist.

Review: Japanese singer/songwriter/producer Tatsuro Yamashita's latest marks a bold step forward in his ongoing evolution as a musical force, most specifically as a pioneer of the 'city pop' sound. Far from his earlier, more polished pop sensibilities, this release delves into the subtle interplay between soul, jazz and funk, wrapped in lush, sophisticated production. Tracks like 'High Pressure Girl' and 'Merry-Go-Round' reveal a deeper emotional core, where complex arrangements meet timeless melodies. Yamashita's expert use of space and texture pulls you into a world that feels both intimate and expansive, drawing on influences that span from the silky smoothness of 70s soul to the warm grooves of early 80s pop. The work pulses with a sense of nostalgia, yet feels forward-thinking, a bridge between past and present. What stands out here is the transparency of Yamashita's approach to songwritingieach note feels carefully considered and every shift in rhythm deliberate. Tracks like 'Christmas Eve' and 'In the City' carry an understated elegance, as if time itself has slowed down to match the pace of the music. The compositions shift between bright, shimmering highs and deep, reflective lows, creating a dynamic yet cohesive listening experience. The idea is clear: it offers a glimpse into Yamashita's artistry while inviting us to engage with his creative process, blending analog warmth with intricate production techniques that resonate with emotional depth and maintain striking sonic clarity.

Review: Adrian Younge's Something About April II, originally from 2016, is a stunning evolution of his cinematic soul vision. Younge, who has long been devoted to blaxploitation-era sounds, expanded his palette here with richer songwriting and tighter arrangements. While rooted in the late 60s to early 70s soul aesthetic, the album always felt fresh and purposeful and still does almost a decade on for this reissue. Standouts like 'Sandrine' and duets with Laetitia Sadier and Bilal showcase his growth in composition and emotional depth and come with lush instrumentation from Fender Rhodes, vibraphone, and his custom Selene keyboard. Younge moved beyond homage with this work and into a world where he creates timeless originals and fully realised modern soul gems.