Album artwork for Beautiful Bamboo-Flute by Hozan Yamamoto with Sharps and Flats

Seminal Japanese jazz album from 1971. Journeys through jazz fusion, soul and big band moods. Impossible to obtain in its original format these days. Official Mr Bongo reissue.

Hozan Yamamoto was recognized as a “living national treasure” by the Japanese government in 2002. This highly sought-after album from the Japanese wood flute player is more upbeat and swinging than some of his other records. The big band he recorded this album with (Sharps & Flats) played a big part in the genesis of the album’s groove. Forming in 1951, they helped to make jazz popular in Japan after World War II. Yamamoto’s flute lines weave over the heavy brass sound and groove, creating an MPS label blending of funky jazz and Japanese vibes. The closest comparison would be Dorothy Ashby’s grooviest albums for Chess / Cadet – substituting Yamamoto’s flute for the harp.

Hozan Yamamoto with Sharps and Flats

Beautiful Bamboo-Flute

Mr Bongo
Album artwork for Beautiful Bamboo-Flute by Hozan Yamamoto with Sharps and Flats
LP

$24.99

Released 10/04/2019Catalog Number

MRBLP214

Learn more
Hozan Yamamoto with Sharps and Flats

Beautiful Bamboo-Flute

Mr Bongo
Album artwork for Beautiful Bamboo-Flute by Hozan Yamamoto with Sharps and Flats
LP

$24.99

Released 10/04/2019Catalog Number

MRBLP214

Learn more

Seminal Japanese jazz album from 1971. Journeys through jazz fusion, soul and big band moods. Impossible to obtain in its original format these days. Official Mr Bongo reissue.

Hozan Yamamoto was recognized as a “living national treasure” by the Japanese government in 2002. This highly sought-after album from the Japanese wood flute player is more upbeat and swinging than some of his other records. The big band he recorded this album with (Sharps & Flats) played a big part in the genesis of the album’s groove. Forming in 1951, they helped to make jazz popular in Japan after World War II. Yamamoto’s flute lines weave over the heavy brass sound and groove, creating an MPS label blending of funky jazz and Japanese vibes. The closest comparison would be Dorothy Ashby’s grooviest albums for Chess / Cadet – substituting Yamamoto’s flute for the harp.