“Music PEN Club, Japan” comprises about 160 members, including music critics, audio critics, researchers, and producers. This year marks the 36th year of the “Music Pen Club Awards,” which are voted for by the members in the three categories: classical, popular, and audio. As a member of the Club, I also participate in the voting. A lot of excellent works have been selected across genres. Since most of the awards in the classical music category are given to individual musicians or groups, I would like to introduce some of the excellent works selected in the popular music and audio categories.
#247 Listening to The Beatles’ Masterpieces in Newly Mastered Format
The Beatles 1962-1966, 1967-1970 (2023 Edition)
(Universal Music UICY-16200-01, 16202-03)
It is a bit surprising that “The Beatles 1962-1966, 1967-1970” was selected for the “Recorded Works” in the audio category. Of course, the Beatles’ greatness has not changed, and the songs they left behind have greatly influenced today’s music. In addition, last year (2023), there was no shortage of topics, including the release of a new song, ＜Now and Then,＞ based on material left behind by John Lennon. However, it is very moving that these Red (1962-1966) and Blue (1967-1970) discs, released last November, have been awarded in the audio category. In retrospect, the albums known as the Red and Blue albums are the Beatles’ compilation bests released in 1973 as a 2-LP set, respectively. At the time, these albums were known to many music fans as introductory albums to the Beatles, allowing them to enjoy the Beatles’ music easily.
Later in the CD era, the Beatles’ albums were remastered several times, and the sound quality changed gradually. This 2023 edition adds 9 and 12 tracks to the original red and blue discs, respectively, and is newly mastered by Giles Martin and engineer Sam OKell, who have remixed the Beatles’ albums in the past. Each instrument’s sound is very clear as they use the technology to isolate and extract each instrument and vocal. Compared to the rough mixes of the early years, they are very well-balanced, and both vocals and instruments are upfront. John, Paul, George, and Ringo have found their steady positions, adding significantly to their presence. They probably intended to appeal to younger people unfamiliar with the Beatles of the past. It is no wonder that many audio critics have highly acclaimed such “new” Beatles sounds. The Blue disc also features ＜Now and Then.＞ The “Red disc” full of hit songs is of course a must-listen one, but personally, I was very interested in the new remixes of the “Blue disc” period in the late 60’s, when they moved on to more elaborate sound creation in the studio.
#248 Shutaro Matsui’s Debut Album, Letting Us Know Joy of Playing
STEPS OF THE BLU / Shutaro Matsui
(Avex Classics AVCL-84147)
In today’s Japanese jazz world, where the rise of young musicians is remarkable, trumpeter Shutaro Matsui is among the most notable, winning the “Rookie Award ” in the Popular Music Category. This time, Matsui receives the award as an individual; however here, we listen to his debut album, “STEPS OF THE BLU,” released last July.
Matsui, born in 1999, majored in classical music at the Kunitachi College of Music Senior High School and then specialized in jazz at the college, graduating at the top of the class. With such a career, Matsui’s trumpet has a beautiful and spontaneous tone. More than anything else, we can clearly feel the joy of playing music from every performance. The opening track, ＜HYPONOSIS,＞ suddenly radiates phrases full of drive. And the title track of the album has a delightful Dixieland sound. Then the ballad ＜TRUST ME＞ is full of poetry. The ＜NEAPOLITAN DANCE＞ from Tchaikovsky’s “Swan Lake” was performed with superb technique. Although there are various types of music, the effortless way in which they are all colored with his own individuality is very bracing. As a young hopeful, I would like to pay close attention to his future activities.
#249 Ironclad Rolling Stones Sounds
Hackney Diamonds / Rolling Stones
(Universal Music UICY-16194)
The Best Award winner in the Popular Music Category was Miho Hazama for her “Beyond Orbits,” which I introduced last October here (#230). And, the “International Section” of the Popular Music Category was awarded to the Rolling Stones’ brand-new album, released around the same time. The reason why their album was chosen over those of younger artists is, of course, because they have over 60 years of history since the band was formed.
Of course, the ironclad Stones sound is still alive and well, with Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, and “Ron” Wood pushing the music to its limits over heavy beats. They released “Blue & Lonesome” in 2016, but since they were covers of blues pieces, “Hackney Diamonds” is their first original album in 18 years since “A Bigger Bang.” The album includes a piece joined by former member Bill Wyman and two pieces featuring the playing of Charlie Watts, who passed away in 2021. Then, Lady Gaga and Stevie Wonder joined the ＜Sweet Sounds of Heaven.＞ There is plenty of buzz, with others including Paul McCartney on bass or Elton John on piano. The album also features their roots ＜Rolling Stone Blues.＞ In addition to the standard version, the “2CD Live Edition” (UICY-80376-7) is also available. This edition includes a surprise live performance held at a small club in New York to coincide with the album’s release.
About the Author
Masamichi Okazaki
Surrounded by various kinds of music from his childhood, Masamichi Okazaki joined Waseda University Modern Jazz Club. He started contributing articles to music magazines when he was a student. He covers wide range of music not only trad, modern and contemporary jazz, but also from pops to classics. He writes liner notes for CDs and LPs, and is a regular contributor to “JAZZ JAPAN,” “STEREO,” and others. He joined a big band, “Shiny Stockings,” as a saxophone player. He is a director of The Music Pen Club Japan (MPCJ).
