Kiyoshi Sugimoto – L.A.MASTER (Color Vinyl) [Limited Release]

L.A. MASTER (Colored Vinyl) [Limited First Pressing] / Kiyoshi Sugimoto

Artists such as Masayoshi Takanaka, Jun Fukamachi, and Casiopea—along with acts once appreciated mainly by enthusiasts, including The Players, Himiko Kikuchi, NORIKI, Mariah, and Ryo Kawasaki—have all seen a surge in popularity.

The major-label joint compilation CROSSOVER CITY brought renewed attention to the genre. In recent years especially, ambient, techno-oriented works, and soundtrack-like background music have become characteristic of this trend. As younger listeners embrace the style, preconceived notions about crossover/fusion have dissolved, allowing the music to be appreciated more freely and with fresh sensibilities.

With this context in mind, this lineup was carefully selected from Universal Music Group’s extensive catalog. Many titles are either previously unreleased on analog or rare items, chosen specifically for their strong vinyl demand, including international collectors.
Limited first pressing. Each release comes on colored vinyl that expands upon the image of the original jacket artwork.

Japanese Crossover/Fusion Is Hot Again

As an evolution—or spin-off—of the global city pop revival, Japanese fusion has rapidly gained momentum since last year.

Kiyoshi Sugimoto honed his jazz guitar skills with the Terumasa Hino Group and Akira Ishikawa & the Count Buffalos, while also working extensively as a session musician across kayōkyoku, enka, and pop recordings. In parallel, he released his first album as a leader in 1969. Gradually moving toward a crossover sound, he issued L.A. MASTER in 1978, with all compositions and arrangements written by himself.

The recording members included:

• Yasuaki Shimizu (sax)

• Haruo Togashi (keyboards)

• Akira Okazawa (bass)

• Yuichi Togashiki (drums)

• Jun Fukamachi (keyboards)

• Tsuneyoshi Matsuki (guitar)