A great piano trio set from the start of the 60s – performed by a Japanese player we know little about! Hachidai Nakamura isn't a name that we remember from many other records, but on this beautifully-titled record he steps forth with a command of the keys that's really wonderful – a sound that's got a mix of soulfulness and sensitivity that reminds us a fair bit of Red Garland on Prestige, but which also seems to get a bit more kick here from the bolder lines of Hachiro Kurita on bass and Jimmy Takeuchi on drums. Titles are all in Japanese, but most seem to be originals – and Hachidai's got a sharp-edged way of stating his intentions on the tunes, then leaping into the groove with a freer sort of solo. CD presents the original album, beautifully remastered – with stereo and mono takes of all titles! (Jazz, Japanese) LP, Vinyl record album