Inoyama Records

Duke Ellington & The Dollar Brand Trio
Duke Ellington Presents The Dollar Brand Trio
Reprise Records – P-6122R

​1974 Japanese Pressing (Stereo) NM/VG+

​A Historic Co-Sign from a Jazz Giant. 🎹✨

​Recorded in Paris in 1963, this session captures the momentous event where Duke Ellington introduced the world to the phenomenal talent of Dollar Brand (later known as Abdullah Ibrahim). While Ellington's name is on the cover, he acts strictly as the producer here, giving the spotlight entirely to Brand's trio. Side 1 is a stunning showcase of Brand's highly rhythmic and profoundly rooted piano style, opening with the infectious original "Dollar's Dance" and the intricate "Kippi". The side rounds out with an absolutely mesmerizing, nearly seven-minute rendition of Thelonious Monk's "Brilliant Corners," proving Brand's mastery over complex modern jazz structures. This 1974 Japanese reissue, manufactured by Warner-Pioneer Corporation, perfectly captures the rich, dynamic tone of the piano and the trio's incredibly tight interplay.

​About the Artists:

Duke Ellington, one of the most important composers and bandleaders in jazz history, was also a legendary talent scout. Upon hearing the Dollar Brand Trio in Switzerland, he immediately recognized a kindred spirit and insisted on producing this recording. Backed by Johnny Gertze on bass and Makaya Ntshoko on drums, Dollar Brand's playing is characterized by its powerful rhythmic drive, sweeping chordal structures, and deep emotional resonance, seamlessly blending American post-bop with his own unique compositional voice.

​👉 DM for price and details, or hit the link in bio for the store.

​

Imagination File (Arranged by Shigeru Suzuki 鈴木茂)
Sunset Hills Hotel
Interface – YF-7127

​1987 Japanese Original Pressing (Stereo) NM/VG+

​The Ultimate City Pop and Japanese AOR Sunset Soundtrack. 🌴🌇

​Released in 1987, Sunset Hills Hotel (Imagination File I) is a pristine, breezy concept album brilliantly arranged by guitar legend Shigeru Suzuki (鈴木茂). Side 1 is a masterclass in sophisticated, coastal grooves, featuring an unbelievable lineup of composers: Shigeru Suzuki kicks it off with "Night Flight," followed by tracks from Yosh*taka Minami (南佳孝), Jin Kirigaya (桐ヶ谷仁), the iconic Taeko Ohnuki (大貫妙子) with the lush "6:30PM Breeze," and Ginji Ito (伊藤銀次). This original Japanese pressing by Nippon Columbia utilizes PCM Digital Recording, delivering a crystal-clear, audiophile-grade soundstage that perfectly captures the polished, high-fidelity aesthetic of the late 80s.

​About the Artists:

Shigeru Suzuki (鈴木茂) is one of Japan's most revered guitarists and arrangers, famous for his pioneering work with the legendary bands Happy End and Tin Pan Alley. For this project, he gathered a veritable who's-who of the 1980s Japanese City Pop scene—including vocal and songwriting giants like Taeko Ohnuki (大貫妙子) and Ginji Ito (伊藤銀次)—to craft a seamless, highly polished conceptual soundtrack to a fictional seaside resort.

​👉 DM for price and details, or hit the link in bio for the store.

​

Minayo Watanabe (渡辺美奈代)
The Heart of Love (恋してると、いいね)
CBS/Sony – 28AH 5193

​1989 Japanese Original Pressing (Stereo) NM/VG+

​Sparkling Late-80s Synth-Pop and Idol Grooves. ✨🎤

​Released in 1989, The Heart of Love captures Minayo Watanabe (渡辺美奈代) transitioning brilliantly through the golden era of Japanese synth-pop and idol music. Side A kicks off with the high-energy "抱いてあげる (Remix Love Version)" and glides through infectious, synth-heavy tracks like "月のダンス" and "Teftef Song". What makes this album a true standout for collectors is the incredible production quality—it was famously produced and arranged by Keiichi Suzuki (鈴木慶一) of the legendary avant-pop group Moonriders, giving the record an unexpected depth and a polished electronic edge. This pristine original pressing from CBS/Sony captures the vibrant, bubble-era soundstage perfectly.

​About the Artist:

Minayo Watanabe (渡辺美奈代) rose to massive fame as a central member of the iconic 1980s idol supergroup Onyanko Club (おニャン子クラブ). As she embarked on her solo career, her sound matured to embrace the sleek, electronic dance-pop styles of the late 80s. Her collaborations with top-tier alternative and City Pop musicians, like the Moonriders, proved that her catalog offers much more than standard idol fare—delivering seriously good, synth-driven grooves.

​👉 DM for price and details, or hit the link in bio for the store.

​