Two of Jiro Inagaki's classic albums are being released on 180g heavy vinyl, pure vinyl format!

Two of Jiro Inagaki's classic albums are being released on 180g heavy vinyl, pure vinyl format!

★ Specifications common to both titles ★ “Made in Japan” quality that has captured global attention. This release uses luxurious uncolored virgin vinyl, completely free of coloring agents such as carbon that could affect sound quality. Manufactured using only high-purity PVC and pressed to a heavyweight 180g, it delivers superior rotational stability and a rich, expansive soundstage. A Pure Vinyl / 180g heavyweight pressing designed to let you fully experience its razor-sharp sonic image.



Polished jazz.Forged rock.Sharpened funk.
All of it is absorbed, and a powerful, unyielding groove begins to run.

Formed in 1969, Soul Media set out with a clear mission to fuse jazz and rock. That approach took a decisive next step with In The Groove, recorded in 1973. Here, the sharpness of jazz is brought to the forefront, rock elements are dissolved and refined to give a cutting edge, and funk is injected to add drive, elasticity, and physical force. The result is a body of music that transcends existing genre labels—jazz-rock, jazz-funk, or fusion—and stands instead as something simply, undeniably cool: strong yet sophisticated.
This album is often described as Soul Media’s response to The Crusaders, a band that saxophonist Jiro Inagaki was paying close attention to at the time. The aim hit its mark. With In The Groove, Soul Media acquired a “refined black feeling”, setting them firmly on the path toward their ultimate destination: Funky Stuff.
Text by Yusuke Ogawa (UNIVERSOUND / DEEP JAZZ REALITY)

Release Date：2026.8.26(wed)
Catalogue Number：HMJY-236
Format：Pure Vinyl / 180g

Tracklist

Side A
1. That’s How I Feel
2. Blue Blood
3. It’s Impossible
4. Put It Where You Want It
5. Crazy Medicine

Side B
1. Joie De Vivre
2. Papa Hooper’s Barrel House Groove
3. Thrill Is Gone
4. Raven Speaks
5. Samba Chimba





A masterpiece of jazz rock by true master Jiro Inagaki.
Beyond jazz rock.
What Soul Media, led by Jiro Inagaki, ultimately arrived at was a tight, cool, and ultimate groove.

As Inagaki himself has stated that he “played black funk” on this album, the explosive jazz-rock foundation he had cultivated up to that point is fused with the stickiness, elasticity, and physicality of black music—elevating his musical vision to an entirely new dimension. Combined with the masterful arrangements of Hiromasa Suzuki, the groove is polished to a high sheen, growing richer, more fluid, and subtly seductive.
Every track stands out: the vibrant, driving energy of “Painted Paradise”; the coexistence of funkiness and mellowness on “Breeze”; and the low-slung, razor-sharp cover of Kool & The Gang’s “Funky Stuff”.
Now regarded as a definitive classic, this album remains in constant demand from listeners around the world.
Text by Yusuke Ogawa (UNIVERSOUNDS / DEEP JAZZ REALITY)

Release Date：2026.8.26(wed)
Catalogue Number：HMJY-237
Format：Pure Vinyl / 180g

Tracklist

Side A
1. Painted Paradise
2. Funky Motion
3. Breeze
4. Scratch

Side B
1. Funky Stuff
2. One For Jiro
3. Gentle Wave
4. Four Up