• Mikio Masuda "Moon Stone" LP [pre-order]

Nippon Columbia Records

Pre-order by 26th June 2026
ETA : Mid-July 2026

Moon Stone is a gem of Japanese jazz-fusion that finds Masuda gliding between smoky cool and electric groove with plenty of charm and confidence. Comparisons to Bob James and Ramsey Lewis are obvious but apt as this is polished, warm crossover jazz with serious chops behind it. Highlights include the Latin-tinged 'Mickey's Samba' and the funky swagger of 'Funky Wav', while the title track drifts beautifully into mellow synthesiser territory. The supporting cast is stellar as Kazumi Watanabe's guitar adds real bite and Motohiko Hamase's bass keeps everything grounded. A welcome reissue of an overlooked delight for anyone with an ear for 70s jazz-fusion.

Electric Piano, Organ, Clavinet, Synthesizer - Mikio Masuda
Drums - Hideo Yamaki
Electric Bass - Motohiko Hamase
Electric Guitar - Kazumi Watanabe
Electric Guitar, Vocals - Kazumasa Akiyama