SHUNGO SAWADA QUINTET Schallplatten & CDs

Review: Shungo Sawada, a trailblazer in Japan's modern jazz scene, delivers a rare gem with his album Formation. Despite his status as a legendary guitarist since the 1940s, Sawada's discography under his own name is surprisingly sparse, making this release particularly noteworthy. Formation opens with a distinctive rendition of Wayne Shorter's 'Footprints'ielegant and refined, yet imbued with a cool, understated charm. The album then shifts gears with the energetic title track, 'Formation,' before diving into the jazz-rock fusion of 'Unlucky Guy.' It concludes with another Shorter composition, 'Chief Crazy Horse,' bringing the album to a thoughtful close. This collection has Sawada's versatility and mastery on full display, providing a polished and cohesive snapshot of Japan's "new mainstream" jazz movement.