Description
In 1951, Nobuo "Hara" first gained recognition as a Japanese saxophonist, leading his successful big band, Sharp & Flats. Over the course of their career, they produced a vast collection of albums, numbering over a hundred. Hozan Yamamoto, known for his exceptional skills at playing the traditional Japanese flute, the shakuhachi, is considered a Living National Treasure in his home country, having been awarded this title in 2002. The first collaboration of these two respected musicians was recorded live at the 1967 Newport Jazz Festival. The following year, they released their first studio recording, titled New Jazz in Japan. Together with the powerful Sharp & Flats, the tenor sax of Nobuo Hara and Hozan Yamamoto's shakuhachi create a subtly captivating style, making this record a truly unique piece that has not been reissued since 1971.