It used to be standard for famous performances to come out on vinyl first, then on CD. Lately, though, it’s just as common to see albums released on CD first, then on LP, or even both formats at the same time. Many audio fans enjoy comparing how LPs and CDs sound. This time, I listened to three new LPs released late last year and compared them to their CD versions.
#310 “No Name Horses”: Leading the Way in Big Band Jazz
Day 1 / Makoto Ozone No Name Horses
(Universal Music LP ⇒ UCJJ-9056～57, CD ⇒ UCCJ-2242)
Listening to a big band with a clear, lively sound is one of the best parts of jazz, and audio fans really enjoy it too. Pianist Makoto Ozone’s group, “No Name Horses,” put out their CD “Day 1” in 2024 to celebrate their 20th anniversary. The album also came out on analog LP late last year (2025). This group, featuring some of Japan’s top musicians, plays with energy and swing, bringing a fresh sound. They show what modern big band jazz can be. The album includes six original compositions by Ozone and three by other band members. The group’s expressiveness stands out as they perform each piece’s intricate arrangements with skill.
The opening track, ＜Day 1,＞ which is also the album’s title, showcases the band’s full energy and charm. The leader’s piano playing is outstanding, and the solos scattered throughout each piece by the members are also well worth listening to. The charming ＜My Wiener Schnitzel＞ transitions from elegant, Baroque-inspired harmonies to a waltz; ＜Moules Mariniere＞ spotlights the bass trombone and bass; and the ballad ＜Infinity＞ features Eric Miyashiro’s beautiful flugelhorn solo. When comparing the CD and the LP versions, the CD’s sound is slightly more solid. On the LP, the piano stands out a bit more, and the band’s sound feels warmer and more expansive. Usually, some tracks are cut when CDs are made into LPs because of time limits, but this LP set is a double album. This means you can enjoy all the tracks from the CD on the LPs as well.
#311 Solitary Solo Piano Performance
Hanamichi: The Final Studio Recording Vol. II / Masabumi Kikuchi
(Tokyo M-Plus LP ⇒ RH-1008LPS, CD ⇒ RH-1008CDS)
The recording is so clear that it feels like a grand piano is playing right in front of you. You’ll be amazed by the incredibly realistic sound, as if you can even see the action of the hammers striking the piano strings. Masabumi Kikuchi, a Japanese pianist who lived in New York for many years, recorded this solo performance at a New York studio in late 2013, two years before his passing. By that time, Kikuchi’s music, already known for its solitary mood, had grown even more spiritual. Kikuchi’s playing is sparse and stripped of any excess, but his focus is intense as he pours all his energy into each note of the melody.
Hanamichi: The Final Studio Recording Vol. I came out in 2021. Vol. II features previously unreleased tracks from the same day’s performance. Between standards with beautiful melodies like ＜Manha de Carnaval,＞ ＜Alone Together,＞ ＜I Loves You Porgy,＞ and ＜My Ship,＞ free improvisational tracks are interwoven. These are the “music of the soul,” seemingly imbued with the very essence of Kikuchi’s life. The CD’s sound quality is superb, but the LP is pressed on clear, uncolored vinyl, making it even more of a joy to hold.
#312 Veteran Drummer Delivers Superb Jazz Groove
CARAVAN / Toshio Osumi
(LP ⇒ Pony Canyon PCJA-00197, CD ⇒ M&I MYCJ-30663)
Toshio Osumi, a longtime drummer in Japan’s jazz scene, captivates listeners with his smooth, swinging, and polished jazz grooves. To celebrate his 50th anniversary as a musician, Osumi recorded the album “CARAVAN” in 2019. It was released as an analog LP late last year (2025). (The CD has 10 tracks, while the LP offers 6.) The CD was praised for its sound quality, but the analog LP highlights the warmth of the small group even more.
Osumi’s trio features pianist Toshiyuki Sekine, known for his tasteful style, and bassist Yutaka Yokoyama, who keeps the rhythm steady. On some tracks, Osumi’s son, Takuya Osumi, joins on alto saxophone. The title track, ＜Caravan,＞ highlights how Osumi helps the soloists shine. ＜POINCIANA＞ has a slightly exotic feel. The funky sounds of ＜THE JODY GRIND＞ and ＜DAT DERE＞ are a real treat. Each piece has a special atmosphere, thanks to Toshio Osumi’s careful drumming. There’s no showiness in his playing. The smooth cymbal work and rich swing make his performances truly exciting. The music feels as warm and joyful as Osumi himself. We can enjoy the virtuosity of Osumi, a veteran who knows the ins and outs of jazz, to our heart’s content.
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).
