First Word Records is very proud to bring you a brand new mini-album from Takuya Kuroda!Takuya Kuroda is a highly respected trumpeter and arranger born in Kobe, Japan and based in New York City. 'Midnight Crisp' is Takuya's seventh studio album, entirely self-produced and following 2020's highly acclaimed 'Fly Moon Die Soon', also released on UK label First Word (winner of the Worldwide Award's Label of the Year in 2019). Consisting of six new tracks, this once again sees Takuya displaying his unique hybrid sound, blending soulful jazz, funk, post-bop, fusion and hip hop.After following the footsteps of his trombonist brother playing in big bands, he relocated to New York to study jazz & contemporary music at The New School in Union Square; a course he graduated from in the mid-noughties. It was here that Takuya met vocalist Jose James, with whom he worked on the 'Blackmagic' and 'No Beginning No End' projects.Following graduation, Takuya established himself further in the NYC jazz scene, performing with the likes of Akoya Afrobeat and in recent years with DJ Premier's BADDER band (also including acclaimed bass player, Brady Watt). Premier said 'The BADDER Band project was put together by my manager, and an agent I've known since the beginning of my Gang Starr career. He said, 'What if you put a band together that revolved around a trumpet player from Japan named Takuya Kuroda? He's got a hip-hop perspective and respect in the jazz field...' Takuya Kuroda is already incredibly prolific, releasing six albums in the past decade and fortifying a solid reputation in the global jazz scene. 2011 saw the release of Takuya's independently-produced debut album, 'Edge', followed by 'Bitter and High' the following year and 'Six Aces' on P-Vine in 2013. Takuya was signed to the legendary Blue Note Records in 2014 for his album 'Rising Son', as well as appearing on their 2019 cover versions project, 'Blue Note Voyage'. He released his 5th album 'Zigzagger' on Concord in 2016, which also featured Antibalas on a reimagining of the Donald Byrd classic 'Think Twice'.
Release date:
December 23, 2022
Label:
Install our app to receive notifications when new upcoming releases are added.

Recommended equipment and accessories
-
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
-
Ortofon 2M Blue Premounted
Mounted on the SH-4 Black Headshell, this setup delivers exceptional clarity, dynamic range, and accurate sound reproduction.
-
HumminGuru: Ultrasonic Vinyl Record Cleaner
Advanced ultrasonic technology with customizable cleaning cycles and a large tank capacity to thoroughly remove dust, dirt, and contaminants
-
Turntables - Top Picks
A selection of reliable record players you can buy today, for every budget
-
Cartridges - Top Picks
A selection of turnatble cartridges that provide great performance and sound quality
Featured Upcoming Vinyl
-
Golden Apples Shooting Star
Run For Cover
September 19, 2025 -
Dropkick Murphys For the People [2xLP]
Play It Again Sam
October 10, 2025 -
Chicks On Speed HEARTopia (Deluxe Edition, Pink) [5xLP]
Groenland Records
October 17, 2025 -
Sam Prekop Open Close
Thrill Jockey Records
September 26, 2025 -
Paradise Lost Ascension (Gold) [2xLP]
Nuclear Blast
September 19, 2025 -
Cosmic Reaper Bleed The Wicked, Drown The Damned
Heavy Psych Sounds
September 19, 2025 -
Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers GLORY EMERALD
Mom+Pop
November 7, 2025 -
Michael Bublé It's Time 20th Anniversary [2xLP]
Reprise
October 10, 2025 -
Anne Wilson Stars (Clear)
Sparrow
October 17, 2025 -
Hara The Fallout
Mascot
January 23, 2026 -
The Barr Brothers Let it Hiss
Secret City Records
October 17, 2025 -
Madi Diaz Fatal Optimist
Anti
October 10, 2025 -
Patrick Watson Uh Oh
Secret City Records
September 26, 2025 -
Tithe Communion In Anguish
Profound Lore
September 19, 2025