First

The sessions for First were the first and only time this quartet played together, yet you’d be forgiven for thinking they were Mine’s regular band, with snappy improvisation and an unbreakable... — Joshua Lee, Presto Music, 23rd July 2021 More…

Release Date: 25th Jun 2021
Catalogue No: BBE662ALP
Label: Barely Breaking Even (BBE)

Presto Recording of the Week

23rd July 2021
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Finalist 2021

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Recording of the Week, Kohsuke Mine - First

23rd July 2021

A hidden gem of '70s Japanese jazz is reissued for the first time, courtesy of British record label Barely Breaking Even. Kohsuke Mine's debut studio recording proves to be a key piece of the J-jazz narrative, embracing the experimental new sounds of the time.

BBE Music present the latest in the acclaimed J Jazz Masterclass Series: Kohsuke Mine 'First', the debut album by one of the leading artists in the new wave of modern jazz that swept Japan in the late 60s and early 70s. 'First' epitomises the shifting sound of the Japanese modern jazz scene of the time, characterised by rich textures and tones, kinetic rhythms, punctuated by urgent, angular melody lines. Reissued for the first time since original 1970 release, Mine is joined by master keyboard player Masabumi Kikuchi on electric piano, and two American players - bassist Larry Ridley and drummer Lenny McBrowne - to deliver one of the strongest debuts in the J Jazz canon. 'First' announced the arrival of a serious talent, one who was to be a hugely influential figure in the Japanese jazz scene across the decade that followed and beyond. 'First' established an artist who built a reputation for standout albums spanning spiritual jazz, post-bop, modal and funk-fusion. All of that started here, on this exemplary album. 'First' is issued on CD, digital and vinyl. The vinyl edition is presented as a double album, cut at 45rpm by the Grammy-nominated Carvery, with full original reproduction artwork, including obi strip. Both CD and vinyl comes with a 4500 word sleeve note and interview with Kohsuke Mine by Tony Higgins, plus artist portraits by Shigeru Uchiyama.J Jazz Masterclass Series is curated by Tony Higgins and Mike Peden for BBE Music.

Reviews

23rd July 2021

The sessions for First were the first and only time this quartet played together, yet you’d be forgiven for thinking they were Mine’s regular band, with snappy improvisation and an unbreakable groove throughout the recording.

13th May 2021

First is the sound of breaking away from old ways in favor of a daring new future. Sure, it feels like an organic jazz LP—a layman would have no difficulty identifying the genre and its typical instruments. But the rich textures, experimental arrangements, and elongated solos predicted the inventiveness to come: Japan’s jazz was about to get bolder and more intense. First arrived at the intersection between traditional and unfamiliar, mannerly and chaotic.

First

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