Inga [Japanese Import]

• 1xLP pressed on Classic Black Vinyl
• Originally released in 1979
• A masterpiece of modern Japanese jazz
• Featuring guitarist Kiyoshi Sugimoto and jazz saxophonist, clarinetist, and flautist Akira Miyazawa

Masao Yagi is a distinguished figure in the realm of modern jazz in Japan, having contributed significantly to its evolution as a pianist, composer, and arranger. While his debut album 'Playing Thelonious Monk' (1960) remains a pivotal work in Japanese jazz history, his output, considering his exceptional talent, has been relatively limited. Collaborating with notable talents like Akira Miyazawa and Kiyoshi Sugimoto, as well as studio musicians such as Michio Nagaoka, Hideo Yamaki, and Osamu Nakajima, who were associated with SHŌGUN, Yagi's 1979 recording showcases masterpieces like the exotic 'Blossom in the Water' and the infectious groove of 'No Ifs No Buts'. These compositions demonstrate Yagi's distinctive ability to blend various influences into a captivating musical experience, marked by exquisite arrangements and melodic beauty.