Classic jazz-funk fusion from the late, great Japanese guitarist Ryo Kawasaki. Recorded in New York, and originally released in 1976, 'Juice' presents Ryo at the height of his powers.Born in Japan in 1947, Ryo had a long and stellar career recording and releasing music up until his passing on 13 April 2020, in Tallinn, Estonia. Ryo is one of the pioneers of the jazz fusion genre, with the Japanese jazz fusion / funk sound becoming extremely influential within the 80s UK club scene and amongst it's DJs. His track 'Trinkets & Things' became a bonafide underground classic. In the US he worked with some of the greats of jazz, such as Elvin Jones, Chico Hamilton and Bobbi Humphrey, to name but a few. A forward-thinking and ever-evolving musician, Ryo collaborated with the Roland Corporation and Korg on the 'guitar synthesizer' and later wrote music software for computers. Later in life he relocated to Estonia and worked there, as well as Finland, Sweden, and the Baltic states.'Juice' has become a much-loved album for crate diggers and jazz-funk enthusiasts, with it's tracks frequently being sampled and re-imagined in hip-hop. The smokey, beat-down, spiritual funk jam 'Bamboo Child' has been flipped by Diamond D, Puff Daddy, and Kool G Rap. The album was released in 1976 on RCA Records and features the musicians' drummer Jimmy Young, rhythm guitarist Hugh McCracken, and bassist Stu Woods amongst other luminaries. A solid album throughout that incorporates a heavy dose of tripped-out synths alongside the emerging disco sound of the time. Tracks such as the opener 'Raisins', with it's drum beat intro and bubbling bass-line, rivals The Headhunters at their finest. A superb album from an underground legend.
Install our app to receive notifications when new upcoming releases are added.

Recommended equipment and accessories
-
Ortofon 2M Blue Premounted
Mounted on the SH-4 Black Headshell, this setup delivers exceptional clarity, dynamic range, and accurate sound reproduction.
-
Pro-Ject Debut Carbon EVO
Featuring a one-piece carbon fiber tonearm, precision-tuned motor, and a heavy steel platter with TPE damping, it ensures superior stability and sound quality.
-
Nobsound Little Bear T7 Tube Preamp
Delivers rich, warm audio through its high-quality vacuum tubes, featuring multiple inputs and adjustable gain
-
Pro-Ject Phono Box DC Pre-Amp
Compact, high-performance phono preamplifier for both MM and MC cartridges, delivering a clean, detailed signal with minimal noise.
-
Nagaoka MP-110H Cartridge
Features a high-quality elliptical stylus that provides excellent tracking and minimizes distortion, delivering a detailed sound reproduction with an output voltage of 5.0 mV
Featured Upcoming Vinyl
-
Borracho Ouroboros
Ripple Music
August 8, 2025 -
Nick Drake The Making of Five Leaves Left [4xLP]
Island
September 26, 2025 -
Ed Sheeran Play (Amazon Exclusive; Purple)
Atlantic
September 12, 2025 -
Biffy Clyro Futique
Warner Records
September 26, 2025 -
Sunniva Hypostasis
Svart Records
September 26, 2025 -
Skullcrusher And Your Song Is Like a Circle
Dirty Hit
October 17, 2025 -
The Divine Comedy Rainy Sunday Afternoon (Dark Green)
Divine Comedy Recs
September 19, 2025 -
Seedbed Stalemate (Topaz Smoke)
Tiny Engines
August 22, 2025 -
Sydney Minsky Sargeant Lunga [2xLP]
Domino Record Co
September 12, 2025 -
Bioscope GENTŌ [2xLP]
Earmusic
August 22, 2025 -
Anamanaguchi Anyway (Black/Red)
Polyvinyl Records
August 8, 2025 -
Hot Chip Joy In Repetition [2xLP]
Domino Record Co
September 5, 2025 -
Chris Stamey Anything Is Possible
Label 51 Recordings
August 22, 2025 -
Warmen Band Of Brothers (Yellow Splatter)
Reaper Entertainment
August 15, 2025