Motohiko Hino Quartet + 2 - Flying Clouds (1976) [2022]

Flying Clouds presents a previously hidden live gem by Motohiko Hino Quartet + 2, recorded on May 27, 1976 at Yamaha Hall, Tokyo during the renowned 5 Days in Jazz festival. Originally documented by Three Blind Mice founder Takeshi Fujii, this performance expands Hino’s quartet into a fiery sextet with the addition of percussionist Yuji Imamura and dual tenor saxophones.
Featuring guitarist Kazumi Watanabe and bassist Nobuyoshi Ino, the group delivers an intense and expressive set that moves between driving post-bop, modal improvisation, and raw rhythmic energy. Hino’s explosive drumming and the band’s collective interaction vividly capture the spirit of Japanese jazz at its creative height.
This CD edition has been carefully restored from the original master tapes by legendary engineer Yoshihiko Kannari, known as the “guardian of the TBM sound,” ensuring exceptional clarity while preserving the immediacy of the original live recording.


Tracks:

1. 流氷 (Ryuhyo) - 21:10
2. Olive's Step - 23:11
3. Flying Clouds - 17:22

Personnel:

Kazumi Watanabe - Guitar
Yasuaki Shimizu - Tenor Saxophone (Left)
Mabumi Yamaguchi - Tenor Saxophone (Right)
Nobuyoshi Ino - Bass
Motohiko Hino - Drums
Yuji Imamura - Percussion

Recorded at "5 Days in Jazz 1976" at Yamaha Hall, Tokyo on May 27, 1976.