The 4 (The Quartet)
Square Game
Polydor (Japan) 1984
28MX1159 (LP) w/insert.
sleeve : EX-(light wear on corner, one light dirt on back)
media : EX/EX(some slightly noise)
An overlooked masterpiece recorded in 1984 by The 4 (The Quartet), a one-off group led by bassist Yoshio “Chin” Suzuki, featuring Takehiro Honda on piano, Kosuke Mine on soprano saxophone, and Hiroshi Murakami on drums. Opening with A1/A2, new versions of pieces from Suzuki’s spiritual contemporary jazz masterpiece Wings—also featured in the first edition of the guidebook Obscure Sound—the album presents five superb performances throughout. Rather than simply standing alongside overseas jazz musicians, the group brings a deeply emotional sensibility that feels distinctly Japanese, and the results are truly outstanding. The major highlight is B1, composed by Hiroshi Murakami. A beautifully nostalgic soprano saxophone melody, almost heartbreaking in its wistful tone, is gently colored by piano, while drums and bass support the rhythm with restrained yet richly expressive feeling. As domestic pensive spiritual jazz, this is exceptionally beautiful. qqMixed by David Baker, with excellent cutting and pressing quality as well—the high frequencies sometimes extend with an almost piercing clarity.
A1: Persian Breeze
B1: Night Cry
B2: De Pois Do Amor, O Vazio