Review: The 1975 album Orang-Utan by renowned bassist and cellist Isao Suzuki is a standout in Japanese jazz, now reissued globally by Le Tres Jazz Club, a label dedicated to unearthing rare jazz gems. Originally released on the Three Blind Mice label, this album showcases Suzuki's innovative approach to jazz, blending free jazz and jazz fusion with remarkable fluidity. The album features an exceptional lineup, including saxophonist Kenji Mori, whose versatile playing on alto sax, bass clarinet, and flute evokes the spirit of Eric Dolphy, and the legendary guitarist Kazumi Watanabe, who delivers nuanced, captivating solos throughout. The band also includes bassist Samu Kawakami and drummer Shinji Mori, with a guest appearance by vocalist Mari Nakamoto, who adds a sublime touch on 'Where Are You Going?'ia cover of Shirley Horn's classic. Orang-Utan is bookended by two energetic, extended tracks, with the funk-infused opener 'Blue Road' setting the tone. The title track, a complex fusion piece, stands as the album's centerpiece. In between, more laid-back compositions highlight Watanabe's masterful guitar work. This reissue brings Suzuki's fourth album, a once highly sought-after collector's item, to a broader audience, reaffirming its status as a vital piece of jazz history.
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