It took awhile to confirm this but unfortunately it's true, Masako has shut its doors. I was told by a few people that they are just moving locations but no one seems to know for sure..
Sad news..Tokyo's oldest remaining jazz cafe and the place that hipped me to Mal Waldron (he's in the picture with Masako).
I hope they can recreate the great vibe if they do eventually re-open elsewhere..
Mal Waldron
Apologies for being slightly off the topic of Masako closing, but the mention of Mal reminded me of his amazing album "The Call". Any TJS posters familiar with this phenomenal work? Or indeed his earlier recordings with krautrockers Embryo?
If not, check this music out - it will blow your mind...
Mal Waldron
Chaney, crazy that you mentioned "The Call", as it was at Masako's cafe that I first heard that album. It really is an amazing album which I cannot find in the record shops, I only have it downloaded. I will have to look for the records with Embryo, I imagine the electric piano space-vibe on there will be superb.
It was reissued here in Japan
It was reissued here in Japan in 2006. ("From Europe With Jazz 3" series UCCE-9070). Now out-of-print, I believe although I found another used copy just a few weeks ago which I gave to a very appreciative friend! Incredible album! Re. Embryo, "Rocksession" and "Steig Aus" are highly recommended - yes, the space-vibe and krautrock grooves are simply immense...
Really? Didn't know about the
Really? Didn't know about the re-issue, will have to order that. Would love the original vinyl though!
Been on a big electric piano vibe recently, any more Mal you can recommend with that sound?
More Mal & Embryo
Although Mal isn't on electric piano, the recordings he made in 1967 on "For Eva" with Embryo are also very special. Just been digging on these this week. Piano, vibes, drums and bass...very cool sound.
"This is an example of how we sounded before the Embryo project was founded" - Christian Burchard (1999)