*SOLD* Kazumi Watanabe Quartet - Milky Shade (1976)

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Union Records – KUL-5012

Milky Shade is one of the hidden gems of Japanese Jazz from the mid 1970s.  With Motohiko Hino on drums and Fumio Karashima on keys, Kazumi Watanabe is in the perfect setting to show us some of the best improvisational jazz guitar he ever performed in this time period.  The opening and closing tracks (A1/B2) are heavy hitters reminiscent of Monday Blues.  But the in-between tracks (A2/B1) are mellow, ambient experiences that are intensely nostalgic and melancholy at times.  The texture of these pieces through a turntable and amp are mesmerizing.  This copy is in MINT condition with a firm OBI and a square and sturdy jacket.  It's also the alternate cover, which is far more attractive than the originbal (in my honest opinion). This record plays like you just brought it home from the store.  $50 CAD on Discogs.