Miyama, Toshiyuki and New Herd: Niou to Hato (Green) LP

The Japanese jazz and big band masterpiece, Niou to Hato, is now available on clear green color vinyl! Experience the captivating dance of Nio and pigeons. Immerse yourself in a mysterious melody that flows within a robust groove, exploring the boundless possibilities of the big band sound. This represents the authentic essence of the new hard genre and reaches its climax. New Hard, under the leadership of Toshiyuki Miyama, stands as one of Japan's foremost big bands. Since the debut of "Perspective" in 1969, they have consistently pushed the boundaries of big band jazz with their avant-garde sound. The album "Niou to Hato," released in 1972, is a seminal work in the new hard genre. Kozaburo Yamaki took charge of the entire composition and arrangement, delving deeply into a longstanding theme: "Japan." The album beautifully expresses Japanese features, traditions, and scenes through intricate, multi-layered arrangements and performances. The result is a profound and dynamic melody imbued with a mysterious Japanese atmosphere. Starting with the powerful groove-led "Seijinshiki," the album unfolds with tracks that are rich in flavor and excitement, embodying the true essence of new hard work and reaching its climactic peak. Text by Yusuke Ogawa (universounds/Deep Jazz Reality)