Masaru Imada Trio + 1 :: Planets

Yet another inspired ride in BBE’s masterclass series highlighting the golden age of modern Japanese jazz from the late 1960s – early 80s. Helmed and curated by Tony Higgins and Mike Peden, this installment shines a light on the Masaru Imada Trio + 1 lp, Planets. Originally released in 1977 via private press, the seven track set finds pianist and bandleader Masaru Imada joined by bassist Kunimitsu Inaba and drummer Tetsujiro Obara, along with sympathetic percussion courtesy of Yuji Imamura.

Masaru Imada Trio :: Green Caterpillar

Acres of Rhodes. Originally released by Three Blind Mice in 1975, the Masaru Imada Trio’s “Green Caterpillar” is eleven minutes and twenty seven seconds of righteous groove. The LP has once again been made available via reissue, courtesy of the Paris based label Le Tres Jazz Club.