Eastwind Import: Japanese import jazz & audiophile CDs

shep · « **Reply #20 on:** 4 Feb 2007, 02:16 pm »

I know. I was just hoping...thanks anyway. Keep em coming.

Hajime Sato · « **Reply #21 on:** 8 Feb 2007, 06:00 am »

If you are a serious jazz fan, you might be subscribing to one of the premier jazz magazines in the US called JazzTimes. If you do, and have the latest March 2007 issue, go to page 75 and 76. If not, go to a book store right now, because you will find not one, but TWO great reviews of CDs from Marshmallow Records, Eastwind Import's first partner and my favorite Japanese independent jazz label.

Carsten Dahl Trio featuring Bob Rockwell / God Bless the Child
"It's a kick to discover that there are balls-to-the-wall tenor saxophone players like Bob Rockwell raising hell in places like Copenhagen, Denmark. ... Rockwell is simply one of the heaviest current players in his genre anywhere." - Thomas Conrad, JazzTimes

You can actually read the full review here.

Jan Lundgren / In New York
"In sports, coaches like to talk about 'putting yourself in position to win.' Jan Lundgren has done exactly that with In New York. ... Win he does. ... His versions of the three songbook pieces are rich, comprehensive and elegantly detailed. The positive energy is powerful and exhilarating." - Thomas Conrad, JazzTimes

If you are interested in these albums, please go to www.eastwindimport.com. Right now we have only ONE copy of Jan Jundgren in New York left (this is the best-selling CD we carry, after all), so grab it before it's gone! More copies are coming soon.

On a separate note:

We've added some XRCD titles to our website; legendary albums from Bill Evans, Count Basie and Duke Ellington that are essential for those who are beginning to build a jazz collection. They sound great, too!

By popular demand from our audiophile friends, we even have some great-sounding XRCD24 classical titles available. Go to www.eastwindimport.com and check out the newly created "XRCD-Classical" section.

lonewolfny42 · « **Reply #22 on:** 8 Feb 2007, 07:23 am »

Hajime.....
Your selections are really growing....nice.

And you can really get a good taste of the many Cd's with your generous MP3 samples.....thanks.

I'm working on my list......a lot of good things to pick from....

Chris

Hajime Sato · « **Reply #23 on:** 8 Feb 2007, 07:52 am »

Chris, thanks for your kind words!

I especially appreciate your comment about the MP3 files, because I work hard to provide at least one, decent sounding sample for as many CDs I carry as possible.

I'd like to build an online store that I would buy from, and availability of samples is a big component of that. Hope you'll enjoy the shopping experience!

Harmon · « **Reply #24 on:** 8 Feb 2007, 12:51 pm »

Hajime

I will definitely be putting in some orders from your site. Giving lots of samples of the CD's is a good idea. I tend not to order unless I can hear some samples of a CD.

Hajime Sato · « **Reply #25 on:** 8 Feb 2007, 08:57 pm »

Harmon,

Thanks for your comment! I look forward to receiving your order, and hope your shopping experience is a pleasant one.

Hugh · « **Reply #26 on:** 8 Feb 2007, 10:07 pm »

Hajime,

It's nice to have met you at the swapmeet.

Thanks for picking out those excellent cds for me.

Please let me know of any future selection(s).

Hugh

Double Ugly · « **Reply #27 on:** 8 Feb 2007, 11:59 pm »

Quote from: Hajime Sato on 8 Feb 2007, 06:00 am

On a separate note:

We've added some XRCD titles to our website; legendary albums from Bill Evans, Count Basie and Duke Ellington that are essential for those who are beginning to build a jazz collection. They sound great, too!

By popular demand from our audiophile friends, we even have some great-sounding XRCD24 classical titles available. Go to www.eastwindimport.com and check out the newly created "XRCD-Classical" section.

I'm glad to see you're making a concerted effort to increase the number of XRCDs you carry. If you keep it up, my purchases alone may cover at least half your website expenses every month.

-Jim

Hajime Sato · « **Reply #28 on:** 9 Feb 2007, 07:54 am »

Hugh,

The pleasure was all mine, and thanks again for purchasing so many CDs at the swap meet! I really hope you liked them. If you had any particular favorites among them, I'll be glad to make further recommendations.

Jim,

Thanks for the comment, and I hope you liked the CDs, too! Any feedback will be greatly appreciated. And yes, I will keep trying to increase the number of XRCDs I carry. Hope you'll come back soon!

Hajime Sato · « **Reply #29 on:** 9 Feb 2007, 08:05 am »

Eastwind Import is proud to announce that 55 Records, another Japanese independent jazz label, has joined us!

55 Records was established in 2004 in Tokyo by Mr. Hiroshi Itsuno. He had worked as a jazz A&R for 15 years for major labels such as Polydor, Polygram and Universal, and decided to become his own boss as he turned 55.

True to the tradition of independent jazz labels which have always propelled this music forward, Mr. Itsuno believes in finding high quality jazz from all over the world and bringing it to Japanese fans. He has made a great contribution in that country by introducing Dutch pianist Michiel Borstlap, guitarist Jesse van Ruller and Kengo Nakamura, a Japanese bassist working in New York, among others.

Well, I don't think there is any reason to let the Japanese jazz fans monopolize these wonderful new recordings. Check out the four great selections that are now available at Eastwind Import!

Jesse van Ruller / Live at Murphy's Law
This is one of the most exciting jazz guitar albums in my recent memory. Dutch guitar genius Jesse van Ruller shows his stunning technique and clear musical ideas in a minimal trio setting with just drums and bass. The album was recorded in July 2004 at a very small music club called "Murphy's Law" in The Hague.

Michiel Borstlap Trio / Coffee & Jazz
Dutch pianist Michiel Borstlap and his powerful rhythm section tackles well-known jazz standards with respect and infuse them with lyricism and fresh ideas. The songs may sound familiar at first but these superb musicians will take you to unexpected places. Borstlap's playing reminds me of Oscar Peterson and Keith Jarrett at the same time--a rare combination!

Kengo Nakamura / Roots
One of the most in-demand bassists in New York whose employers include Wynton Marsalis and Benny Golson, my fellow countryman Kengo Nakamura assembled a team of young and talented musicians around him and recorded a program that consists mostly of his own compositions. This is exciting jazz deeply rooted in the hard-bop tradtion!

Kengo Nakamura / Re: Standards
In this brand-new album just released, Nakamura and his young cohorts tackle well-known standards and hit a home-run! Filled with fresh energy and crisp sense of swing, Marcus Printup, Ted Nash, Dan Nimmer and Clarence Penn combine their forces to drive the music forward. This is a great neo-hardbop album you shouldn't miss!

As always, if you're interested in these CDs, just click the title or go to www.eastwindimport.com and listen to some sample sound files!

Double Ugly · « **Reply #30 on:** 9 Feb 2007, 09:38 pm »

Quote from: Hajime Sato on 9 Feb 2007, 07:54 am

Jim,

Thanks for the comment, and I hope you liked the CDs, too! Any feedback will be greatly appreciated. And yes, I will keep trying to increase the number of XRCDs I carry. Hope you'll come back soon!

Haven't received the CDs yet, but I'll let you know what I think.

Speaking of which, given the timeline of my order and your post, I think I may have ordered the last of Beverly Kenney's Sings for Johnny Smith CD. Sorry 'bout that.

Hajime Sato · « **Reply #31 on:** 9 Feb 2007, 10:32 pm »

Quote from: Double Ugly on 9 Feb 2007, 09:38 pm

Haven't received the CDs yet, but I'll let you know what I think.

Speaking of which, given the timeline of my order and your post, I think I may have ordered the last of Beverly Kenney's Sings for Johnny Smith CD. Sorry 'bout that.

Jim,
Hope you'll get the CDs soon. And you might have ordered the last copy of Beverly Kenney's CD (I'm not sure) but it's certainly not your fault! New shipment is coming in a few days.

Spirit · « **Reply #32 on:** 9 Feb 2007, 11:01 pm »

Good evening Mr Sato:
Great site! I hope to place orders with you soon.
Can you please recommend excellent sounding CDs that feature Guitar as the main
instrument.

Hajime Sato · « **Reply #33 on:** 10 Feb 2007, 12:06 am »

Quote from: Spirit on 9 Feb 2007, 11:01 pm

Can you please recommend excellent sounding CDs that feature Guitar as the main
instrument.

Thank you for your kind comment and interest! Admittedly my selections are thin on guitar albums, but I can recommend a few:

Jesse van Ruller / Live at Murphy's Law
This is an excellent sounding CD, with Dutch guitarist as a leader, supported by just bassist and drummer. The sound quality of this live recording (2004) is pretty impressive. This is middle-of-the-road, straight-ahead jazz.

Lee Ritennour & His Gentle Thoughts / Gentle Thoughts [XRCD24]
If you like electric guitar and fusion, you might enjoy this one. Lee Ritenour is one of the best fusion guitarists in the world, and this 1977 recording has stellar performances and great sound. (Originally produced as direct-cutting LP; this audiophile-grade XRCD is produced from a stereo master tape that ran parallel to the direct-cutting process.)

Duke Ellington Quartet / Duke's Big 4 [XRCD]
Guitar is not the main instrument here: the leader is the great composer and pianist Duke Ellington. But one of the four players, Joe Pass, is also a legendary virtuoso, so you might enjoy his tasteful, straight-ahead jazz guitar.

If you are interested in any of the CDs, click the title and you'll jump to the product page. Except for the Duke Ellington CD, there are some samples you can listen to. I hope you'll find them interesting!

Hajime Sato · « **Reply #34 on:** 13 Feb 2007, 10:47 pm »

Hi everyone! There are several news I want to share with you.

News No. 1
Our favorite pianist Jan Lundgren's two CDs from Marshmallow Records, In New York and Perfidia are reviewed by The Absolute Sound! If you have the latest issue (March 2007), go to page 156 and see what I'm talking about.

"Sonically, these discs deliver lifelike piano sound... [T]he bass is punchy throughout, and a warm intimacy is at play on both recordings." - Greg Cahill, The Absolute Sound

Sadly, our bestseller Jan Lundgren in New York is out of stock right now.

Please be patient as the next shipment is coming soon!

News No. 2
Holly Cole's new CD and Beverly Kenney's Sings for Johnny Smith are back in stock! If you have been waiting for them, now's the time!

News No. 3: New Arrivals

Beverly Kenney / Sings for Playboys
The beautiful Beverly Kenney left only six commercial albums in her life, and this is one of the three albums she recorded for Decca. Tasteful accompaniment by pianist Ellis Larkins (who made beautiful duet albums with Ella Fitzgerald) and bassist Joe Benjamin brings out the best of Kenney's intimate singing. If you are a fan of hers, you've got to own this CD!

Beverly Kenney / Snuggled on Your Shoulder
Great news for Beverly Kenney fans! I just wrote that she left only six albums in her all-too-brief lifetime, but the devoted fans in Japan made it possible for us to listen to, for the first time, her unreleased demo recordings circa 1954.

We were able to secure just ONE copy of this very rare CD. More are on the way, but don't wait around if you want it!

Double Ugly · « **Reply #35 on:** 14 Feb 2007, 12:44 am »

Hajime -

Just a quick note to let you know the CDs I ordered - Sue Raney's Songs for a Raney Day, Ella Fitzgerald Louis Armstrong's Ella and Louis [Hybrid SACD], Gene DiNovi's Flowers of the Night and Beverly Kenney's Sings for Johnny Smith - arrived a few days ago, and they are FABULOUS, each and every one!

I've not cared for most mono recordings I've heard, but Sue Raney's CD proved a pleasant surprise. All the CDs are recorded, mixed and mastered beautifully, and I am officially a big fan of Eastwind Import. Several of your XRCD offerings are in my sights, but for now I'll kick back and enjoy the most recent additions to my music library.

Thanks, Hajime. I'm sure you'll be seeing more of my money soon.

Regards,

-Jim

Hajime Sato · « **Reply #36 on:** 14 Feb 2007, 02:21 am »

Jim,

Wow! Thanks a lot for your kind comment

. Nothing makes me happier than to hear that you like the CDs that I care about. You've totally made my day, my week and my month!

Please enjoy the music you've discovered for a while, and come back when you're ready for more!

All the best,

Hajime

Hajime Sato · « **Reply #37 on:** 25 Feb 2007, 10:19 am »

Hello everyone!

Before I go on, one housekeeping item: Our bestseller, Jan Lundgren In New York is now back in stock. If you have read the great reviews in JazzTimes and Positive Feedback Online and wanted to get a copy for yourself, now's the time!

Now, main news of the day: Five new CDs from Atelier Sawano are now available at Eastwind Import!

Kiyoshi Kitagawa Trio / Ancestry
Japanese bassist Kiyoshi Kitagawa's first leader album from Atelier Sawano, recorded in 2003 in New York, is a smashingly attractive, straight-ahead trio date. His frequent employer and one of the greatest pianists operating today, Kenny Barron lends more than just a helping hand. Combine this powerhouse with Brian Blade, one of the most talented, sharp drummers of our time, and you get an explosive trio for whom ANYTHING is possible. Recording quality is superb as well.

Kiyoshi Kitagawa Trio / Prayer
An even stronger follow-up to the strong previous effort Ancestry, Kiyoshi Kitagawa and his trio hit a home run with this superb album. You can't expect anything less than spectacular when you have Kenny Barron and Brian Blade watching your back, but this trio has apparently matured in the intervening two years. The sound quality is amazing, too, so crank up the volume on this one!

Giovanni Mirabassi & Andrzej Jagodzinski Trio
How many times have you heard a jazz quartet consisitng of accordion, piano, bass and drums? Andrzej Jagodzinski is a prominent Polish pianist, but for this 2002 recording, he decided to pick up the accordion and leave the piano chair for the young and talented Italian, Giovanni Mirabassi. If you want something different for a romantic night,something beautiful and full of European aesthetics, you'll enjoy this CD.

Giovanni Mirabassi & Andrzej Jagodzinski Trio / C minor
We witnessed the collaboration between Polish pianist Jagodzinski and Italian pianist Mirabassi with the first recording they made together in 2003. The same team follows it up with this beautiful 2005 recording. The mood is more festive and optimistic, which is reflected in the choise of faster tempos in some songs.

Vladimir Shafranov Trio / Russian Lullaby
Russian-born pianist Vladimir Shafranov has made many strong albums, but this one is particularly satisfying for those who cherish good songs and a strong, driving kind of swing. Incredibly the entire album was recorded in just four hours, and you can tell his trio was on fire! If you are a fan of good piano jazz, you will cherish this album for a long, long time.

Brad · « **Reply #38 on:** 26 Feb 2007, 09:51 pm »

Finally put my order in today.....

Can you post here when the Anita O'Day This is Anita comes back in stock?
That was the one I wanted the most.
I'm sure I'll enjoy the others until you get some more

Hajime Sato · « **Reply #39 on:** 26 Feb 2007, 10:15 pm »

Hello Brad,

Thank you very much for your order!

To celebrate the life of Anita O'Day, Universal Japan is reissuing many of her Verve recordings on March 7, and This Is Anita is included in this lineup. I have placed an order for ALL the titles which are NOT available in the US.

I cannot tell you exactly when, but I'm hoping that I will receive the shipment in mid-March. I'll let you know when it arrives. Cheers!