Two simultaneous releases of “Folk Song + Latin + Jazz” and “Cinejazz” by master musician Norio Maeda

Two albums by master musician Norio Maeda—'Minyo + Latin + Jazz' and 'Cine Jazz'—are being released simultaneously.

An unrelenting storm of Minyo, Latin, and Jazz—fierce, thrilling, and utterly original. A groundbreaking work of classical artistry, created by two masters: Naotero Misuna and Norio Maeda.

Naotero Misuna, known as “Maestro Misuna,” led the Tokyo Cuban Boys, a legendary big band formed in 1949—before Latin music had even taken root in Japan. With over 300 recordings to their name, they are one of Japan’s most iconic ensembles. Throughout their long career, the band remained rooted in Latin music while boldly incorporating other genres and contemporary styles. Among their most internationally acclaimed works are those that focus on traditional Japanese music, such as folk songs and ancient melodies.

This album, Japanese Classical Arts, arranged by the great Norio Maeda, is a masterpiece that transforms Minyo + Latin + Jazz into a thrilling sonic experience. Leading the charge is a powerful rendition of “Sakura Sakura,” which moves seamlessly between Afro-Cuban jazz and jazz-rock, captivating listeners around the world. The album also features meticulously crafted arrangements of “Kariboshikiri Uta,” “Yagibushi,” “Genroku Hanami Odori,” and “Awa Odori.” The inclusion of Kohachiro Miyata on shakuhachi and Tadao Sawai on koto is nothing short of brilliant.

This is exhilarating Wa-Jazz at its finest—music that makes you want to shout, “This is it!”

Text by Yusuke Ogawa (UNIVERSOUNDS / DEEP JAZZ REALITY)

Release Date：2025.9.10(wed)
Catalogue Number：HMJY-225
Format：LP

Track List

Side A
1. Sakura Sakura
2. Kariboshikiri Uta
3. Shika no Tone
4. Yagibushi

Side B
1. Genroku Hanami Odori
2. Esashi Oiwake
3. Rokudan
4. Awa Odori

Arranged by: Norio Maeda
Shakuhachi: Kohachiro Miyata
Koto: Tadao Sawai



Has there ever been a soundtrack so thrilling and beautiful? This is the pinnacle of cine-jazz, crafted by the master Norio Maeda.

Released in 1971, Shadow Of The Highway is a suspense-action film produced and starring Jiro Tamiya, and directed by Jun Fukuda. True to its tagline—“A sports car tearing vertically through Japan, from Kagoshima to Hokkaido”—the film features a Mitsubishi Galant GTO racing across the country. Often compared to the American New Cinema classic Vanishing Point, it stands as a Japanese road movie gem.

The music was composed by the legendary Norio Maeda. His piano corners with elegance, the vibraphone dashes forward with flair, the bass charges ahead with power, and the drums shift gears with precision. Motion and stillness, obsession and desire, joy and sorrow—thrilling performances and beautiful melodies elevate the film to new heights.

As a soundtrack, it is exceptional. But even more, it represents an extraordinary level of quality for Japanese jazz in 1971. The performances are so remarkable that it’s unfortunate the exact personnel remain unidentified. However, it has long been rumored that the musicians may have been associated with Takeshi Inomata’s Sound Limited—or possibly The Third.

Text by Yusuke Ogawa (UNIVERSOUNDS / DEEP JAZZ REALITY)

Release Date：2025.9.10(wed)
Catalogue Number：NJS-835
Format：LP

Track List

Side A
1. Highway no Kage ~ Daiichi no Giwaku
2. Matteita Onna ~ Daiichi no Wana
3. Highway no Kage ~ Main Theme
4. Nazo no Onna ~ Wana!?
5. Matteita Onna ~ Main Theme
6. Highway no Kage ~ Wana e no Chosen

Side B
1. Sachiusu no Onna ~ Namiko no Tsuioku
2. Nazo no Onna ~ Main Theme
3. Highway no Kage ~ Teki wo Motomete
4. Sachiusu no Onna ~ Main Theme
5. Matteita Onna ~ Variations
6. Highway no Kage ~ Kanashii Ketsumatsu

Composed, Arranged, and Conducted by: Norio Maeda