Masabumi Kikuchi Quintet

End For The Beginning [Japanese Import]

Universal Music Japan | CAT #: PROZ-7934

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Est. Shipping Date: January 29, 2027
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Format LP

Color Black

DESCRIPTION

1xLP pressed on Black Vinyl
A work of striking conviction and emotional resonance
One of the defining achievements of Kikuchi's career

On this recording, one can hear both resolve and farewell. Just before departing for the United States, Masabumi Kikuchi pours himself into these now-legendary compositions.

Gifted with a singular artistic voice and a keen sense of his time, Masabumi Kikuchi established himself as a pianist of international stature. In 1973, he relocated his base of operations to New York. Recorded immediately before that move, End For The Beginning captures a studio live performance held in front of invited fans, documenting a pivotal moment in his career.

During this period, Kikuchi was exploring innovative sounds through the use of electric instruments and unconventional ensembles. Yet on this album, he returned to a more traditional format: a two-horn frontline backed by a piano trio. The program consists entirely of five original compositions by Kikuchi himself.

The determination surrounding his imminent departure fuels the music's intensity, while the sense of farewell evokes a distinctly Japanese emotional depth. Masterpieces such as “Shuuu”, “GinKai”, and “Green Dance” emerge like waves from beyond an atmosphere charged with tension and anticipation. Each performance unfolds with remarkable focus, lyricism, and power.

A work of striking conviction and emotional resonance, End For The Beginning stands as one of the defining achievements of Kikuchi's career and a fitting summation of his artistic vision.

Text by Yusuke Ogawa (UNIVERSOUNDS / DEEP JAZZ REALITY)

DETAILS

ARTIST: Masabumi Kikuchi Quintet
LABEL: Universal Music Japan
CAT NO: PROZ-7934
RELEASE DATE: January 29, 2027
EST. SHIP DATE: January 29, 2027
GENRE / STYLE:

Jazz

TRACKLIST

1. Shuuu
2. GinKai
3. Mister Outsider
4. Bell
5. Green Dance

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from 45 reviews

The Best Thing We've Heard in a Long Time

I absolutely LOVE this soundtrack! I'd asked an AI for some chilled-out pieces or soundtracks based on my taste for Sigur Rós and Low Roar, and Volker Bertelmann's score for All Quiet on the Western Front was one of the suggestions. I fell in love with it the minute I heard that repeated, haunting melody. He keeps coming back to it, and the moments he chooses to bring it back are what make it so powerful. The rest of the music is brilliant too. The whole thing just works, and it was worth the trouble it took to track down a new copy and the money I paid for it.
My wife works from home in an open loft upstairs, so she hears everything I play. When I got home from work, this had been delivered, so I logged it, put it on, and turned it up to a serious level. When it was time to flip to side B, she yelled down, "What was that? It was amazing!" After it was over she came downstairs to look at the cover and ask more about it. We both agreed it was the best thing we'd heard in a long time.
If you like atmospheric, emotional music that stays with you, get this one. Five stars, easily.

Mark Schminke

10/11/2026