We've got a bit of an obsession with Hozan Yamamoto here at Mr Bongo! A legend of Japanese jazz, he is rightly regarded as a true master and was recognised as a "living national treasure" by the Japanese government in 2002. Over five decades he pushed the genre into new directions, absorbing fusion, funk, spiritual jazz and many other sounds, resulting in a discography studded with gems of rare beauty. Exploring his back catalogue has taken us on an engrossing journey that now sees us reissuing another work from this ground-breaking musician.Though not translating perfectly into English 'Akuma Ga Kitarite Fue Wo Fuku', (kitarite has not been a modern expression in Japanese) roughly means 'The Devil Comes Playing The Flute' / 'The Devil Is Coming While Blowing The Whistle' or 'Devils Flute'. It is the original soundtrack to Kôsei Saitô's 1979 mystery and suspense movie, 'Devil's Flute'. The film is based on a story by the famous author, Seishi Yokomizo, and is centred around a much-loved fictional Japanese detective, Kosuke Kindaichi. A Japanese Sherlock Holmes that has been popular for generations.Hozan Yamamoto was invited to compose the soundtrack directly by the producer of the film, Haruki Kadokawa. Mr Kadokawa also hired keyboard player and producer Yu Imai as assistant producer on the project, resulting in a stunning cosmic, breaks and beats-laden, funk, disco soundtrack extravaganza. When it comes to the soundtrack and the technology of the time, Hozan Yamamoto and Yu Imai got inventive, tripped out, funked up, and experimented, creating a quirky soundtrack masterpiece that needed to be heard more outside of Japan. Differing from the more traditional Japanese music orientation of some of his other albums such as 'Beautiful Bamboo-Flute' (also released on Mr Bongo) the album showcases a number of genres, from lush atmospheric incidental music to disco and funk grooves, experimental nuggets, drum and flute workouts, to neo-classical and more. A special record that showcases the further depths of this wonderful musician's talents.
Release date:
September 17, 2021
Label:
Install our app to receive notifications when new upcoming releases are added.

Recommended equipment and accessories
-
Vinyl Care - Top Picks
A selection of accesories to keep your turntable equipment & vinyl records in the best shape
-
Technics SL-1500C Turntable
Features a direct-drive motor, a high-precision tonearm, and a premium MM cartridge, delivering exceptional sound quality
-
Ortofon 2M Blue Premounted
Mounted on the SH-4 Black Headshell, this setup delivers exceptional clarity, dynamic range, and accurate sound reproduction.
-
Cartridges - Top Picks
A selection of turnatble cartridges that provide great performance and sound quality
-
Ortofon 2M Red Cartridge
Features an elliptical stylus that accurately tracks the grooves of vinyl records, delivering a rich, detailed sound with an output voltage of 5.5 mV
Featured Upcoming Vinyl
-
Three Days Grace Alienation
Rca Records
August 22, 2025 -
The Wildmans Longetime Friend (Coke Bottle Clear)
New West Records
July 11, 2025 -
Leon Thomas MUTT Deluxe: HEEL (Translucent Ruby) [2xLP]
EZMNY Records/Motown
August 22, 2025 -
Glenn Hughes Chosen
Frontiers New Recordings Physical Only
September 5, 2025 -
Margarita Witch Cult Strung Out In Hell
Heavy Psych Sounds
July 11, 2025 -
Gina Birch Trouble
Third Man Records
July 11, 2025 -
Sault 10
Forever Living Origi
August 1, 2025 -
Olivia Dean The Art Of Loving (Pink)
Island
September 26, 2025 -
Yoshika Colwell On the Wing
Blue Flowers
July 25, 2025 -
Burna Boy No Sign Of Weakness
Atlantic
July 11, 2025 -
Chris Stamey Anything Is Possible
Label 51 Recordings
July 25, 2025 -
Fit For A King Lonely God
Solid State Records
August 1, 2025 -
Bret McKenzie Freak Out City (Glacial Blue)
Sub Pop
August 15, 2025 -
Vicious Rumors The Devil's Asylum
Steamhammer
August 29, 2025