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Ultra Vybe (label)
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Enja/Ultra Vybe (Japan), 1975. New Copy ... About April 22, 2020 (delayed)
A great quartet date – nice and laidback, with plenty of room for Pepper Adams to open up on his deep-toned baritone sax! The group features Walter Norris on piano – and titles include "Ad Astra", "Jirge", "Spacemaker", and "Three & One". (Jazz) CD
Challenge/Ultra Vybe (Japan), 1994. New Copy ... About May 17, 2020 (delayed)
Afrique —
Soul Makossa ... CD Mainstream/Ultra Vybe (Japan), 1973. Used ... Out Of Stock
A killer album of Afro Funk – with a very unusual origin! In the wake of Manu Dibango's big hit (and some kind of failure to register the copyright), many many versions of "Soul Makossa" were recorded and released, some good, some bad. This album is a good example of that ... (Soul) read more CD
(Out of print. Includes obi.)
Aketa's Disk/Ultra Vybe (Japan), 1985. New Copy ... $24.99
Two beautiful long tracks from Japanese pianist Shoji Aketagawa – recording here with just he bass of Hiroshi Yoshino for accompaniment – in a style that mixes some of the deeper tones of Shoji's straighter records with an approach that's maybe looser and more improvised overall! Parts ... (Jazz) read more CD
Aketa's Disk/Ultra Vybe (Japan), Mid 70s. New Copy ... $24.99
An indie piano jazz treasure from the Japanese scene of the 70s – originally issued on the Aketa's Disk record, and with a sound that's a bit different than some of the bigger-label piano trio albums of the time! There's a real edge here – a harder sound on Aketagawa's keys than some ... (Jazz) read more CD
Aketa's Disk/Ultra Vybe (Japan), 1976. New Copy ... $24.99
A rare treasure from the Aketa's Disk label – one of the hipper Japanese jazz imprints of the 70s, and a great showcase here for the mighty piano talents of Shoji Aketagawa! There's something very unusual about the piano that Shoji is playing here – as it's got a tonal quality that ... (Jazz) read more CD
Aketa's Disk/Ultra Vybe (Japan), 1983. New Copy ... $24.99
A slightly different album than usual from pianist Shoji Aketagawa, but one that still follows strongly in the best tradition of his offbeat gems for the Aketa's Disk label! This set has Shoji co-credited on piano and vocals – the latter of which aren't really sung lyrics, but maybe more sub- ... (Jazz) read more CD
Flying Dutchman/Ultra Vybe (Japan), 1971. New Copy ... $13.99
Lorez Alexandria —
From Broadway To Hollywood ... CD Trio/Ultra Vybe (Japan), 1977. New Copy ... Temporarily Out Of Stock
An ultra-hip record from Lorez Alexandria – one of her grooviest albums ever, and a set that was only ever issued in Japan! The set features Lorez hitting some of the hippest, most rhythmic modes of her career – working with jazzy backing arranged by Gildo Mahones and Art Hillery, ... (Vocalists) read more CD
(Part of the Jazz Legends In Japan series!)
Enja/Ultra Vybe (Japan), 1973. New Copy ... $14.99
An album issued after the untimely early death of tenorist Gene Ammons, but one that features the player working in a nicely relaxed live setting – one that really shows the transformation of his instrument since his famous late 50s/early 60s records on Prestige! Gene's horn here seems to ... (Jazz) read more CD
(Part of the Enja Real Jazz Classics series!)
Average White Band —
Rare Tracks Vol 1 – Clover Sessions & More ... CD Ultra Vybe (Japan), Early 70s. New Copy ... $13.99
Fantastic early music from Average White Band – lots of 1973 recordings from their famous Clover Sessions, plus a handful of other very early tracks too! The group at this point are perfect – actually, they're often pretty darn perfect, but also have an edge here that really keeps ... (Soul) read more CD
Trio/Ultra Vybe (Japan), 1978. New Copy ... $22.99
A fantastic record from jazz harmonica player Donald Bailey – maybe one of the few we've ever seen with his name in the lead, and a set that shows that he can easily rival some of the greats on his instrument at the time! The vibe of the set is a bit like some of the best jazz dates from ... (Jazz) read more CD
(Part of the Jazz Legends In Japan series!)
Gene Barge, David Matthews, & Andre Davis —
Stony Island – Original Soundtrack ... CD TK/Ultra Vybe (Japan), 1978. New Copy ... Out Of Stock
A sweet set of soundtrack funk – from a film named after one of our favorite streets in Chicago! Although the record's got an approach that's perhaps a bit tighter and smoother than anything going down on Stony in the late 70s, it does manage to share a good deal of styles with the Chi-soul ... (Soul) read more CD
Invictus/Ultra Vybe (Japan), 1973. New Copy ... $13.99
The only album ever by The Barrino Brothers – a stellar early 70s harmony group, and one who could sing with the best of the east coast scene of the time! The whole set's got a feel that's very much in the best mode of groups like The Modulations, Soul Generation, and even The O'Jays – ... (Soul) read more CD
Also available Livin' High Off The Goodness Of Your Love (180 gram pressing) ... LP 28.99
Celi Bee —
Blow My Mind ... CD TK/Ultra Vybe (Japan), 1979. New Copy ... Temporarily Out Of Stock
Celi Bee picks up a few 80s touches for this album – mixing her usual disco groove with some slight Eruo electro touches – adding in a nice dose of darkness to the set! Celi's still got an undeniably strong talent for a catchy tune – the kind of vibe that first made us fall in ... (Soul) read more CD
Alston/Ultra Vybe (Japan), 1976. New Copy ... $13.99
One of the rarest funky records of all time – the hard-to-find second album by Beginning Of The End! This West Indian combo hit it big with their first album on Alston, but this second set, for some strange reason, never really got distributed – which is a damn shame, because it's ... (Soul) read more CD
Richard Beirach with Terumasa Hino & Yoshiaki Masuo —
Zal – In Duet With Terumasa Hino & Yoshiaki Masuo ... CD Trio/Ultra Vybe (Japan), 1976. New Copy ... Just Sold Out!
One of the most beautiful albums of the 70s from pianist Richie Beirach – and in saying that, we don't mean to insult the rest of his other great American work! This set was done in Japan, and it's maybe one of Beirach's most obscure of the decade – but it's also a really special ... (Jazz) read more CD
(Part of the Jazz Legends In Japan series!)
Richie Beirach —
Elegy For Bill Evans ... CD Trio/Ultra Vybe (Japan), 1981. New Copy ... $22.99
Superb work from pianist Richie Beirach – a set that's dedicated to Bill Evans, and which certainly embraces some of the key numbers in his songbook – but which also has that even more spacious sound that Beirach was bringing to his trio dates in the 70s! Richie's sense of timing and ... (Jazz) read more CD
(Part of the Jazz Legends In Japan series!)
Enja/Ultra Vybe (Japan), 1972. New Copy ... About April 22, 2020 (delayed)
No silence here, as vibist Berger's working with a quartet of free-thinkers that includes some very firey piano by Masahiko Sato! Sato's driving style on the keys really sets the pace for the session, and pushes Berger's vibes into very similar territory – all supported nicely by Allen ... (Jazz) read more CD
Jo Bisso —
Love Somebody ... CD Marlin/Ultra Vybe (Japan), 1977. New Copy ... Temporarily Out Of Stock
Disco grooves, but with a definite difference – given that Jo Bisso had previously worked on the Parisian club scene, and brings a special flourish to this American album from the late 70s! Jo sings lead vocals on the side-long "Love Somebody" – a tune that builds strongly as ... (Soul) read more CD
Weird World/Ultra Vybe (Japan), Mid 70s. New Copy ... $22.99
The raunchy one is at it again – serving up funky, filthy, and funny parodies of 70s soul and pop songs with more than enough bad language to make even the most street hip hopper turn red! The band is nice and tight on most of the tracks, grooving hard with a funky wah-wah sound underneath ... (Soul) read more CD
(Part of the Miami Sound – Original Soul/Funk/Disco Collection series!)
Bohannon —
Bohannon (with bonus track) ... CD Dakar/Ultra Vybe (Japan), 1975. New Copy ... Temporarily Out Of Stock
Brainstorm —
Stormin (with bonus tracks) ... CD Tabu/Ultra Vybe (Japan), 1977. New Copy ... Temporarily Out Of Stock
Enja/Ultra Vybe (Japan), 1973. New Copy ... About April 22, 2020 (delayed)
One of the most righteous 70s sessions to come from the hands of Dollar Brand – a New York recording that's filled with work by a host of players from the spiritual jazz underground – all of whom soar strongly on the album's long tracks, and give the set a fire and righteous energy you'r ... (Jazz) read more CD
Dollar Brand/Trio/Ultra Vybe (Japan), 1972. New Copy ... Temporarily Out Of Stock
A stunning little session – and every bit as wonderful as you'd expect from a lineup that includes Dollar Brand, Don Cherry, and Carlos Ward! The three players work together here in open, spiritual styles – with really long-flowing lines from Brand on piano, in a more modal style that's ... (Jazz) read more CD
(Part of the Jazz Legends In Japan series!)
Enja/Ultra Vybe (Japan), 1973. New Copy ... $14.99
Beautiful duets between pianist Dollar Brand and legendary bassist/Blue Notes member Johnny Dyani – two great South African jazz musicians who should have recorded more together in a format like this! Brand's open-ended rolling piano lines bring out the best in Dyani's bass – which at ... (Jazz) read more CD
(Part of the Enja Real Jazz Classics series!)
Brandye —
Crossover To Brandye ... CD Kayvette/Ultra Vybe (Japan), 1978. New Copy ... Out Of Stock
A killer bit of female soul by a very short-lived group – one with a great sound that comes out of some real criss-crossing of styles – some deep soul currents, but some hipper modern soul touches at the top! The set was produced by Brad Shapiro, and has a good blend of his modern and ... (Soul) read more CD
Anthony Braxton —
Town Hall 1972 ... CD Trio/Ultra Vybe (Japan), 1972. New Copy ... Temporarily Out Of Stock
Seminal work from Anthony Braxton – a crucial concert recorded at Town Hall in the early 70s – originally only issued in Japan, but a date that's ended up getting some real global attention over the years! The first half of the set features Braxton's alto in a trio with Dave Holland on ... (Jazz) read more CD
(Part of the Jazz Legends In Japan series!)
Dee Dee Bridgewater —
Afro Blue ... CD Trio/Ultra Vybe (Japan), 1974. New Copy ... Out Of Stock
One of the greatest jazz vocal albums of all time – and one of the first true moments of genius from a young Dee Dee Bridgewater! The album's a Japanese only release (proof that they're always hipper to our jazz artists than we are!) – and it features Dee Dee singing material that's ... (Vocalists) read more CD
(Part of the Jazz Legends In Japan series!)
Glades/Ultra Vybe (Japan), 1976. New Copy ... $13.99
Sweet grooves from Funky Brown – an artist who's more soul-based than you'd guess from his name, and who works here in the hippest Miami modes of the mid 70s! The album's got this warm glow that's mighty nice – even smoother and more mature than some of the Timmy Thomas work of the ... (Soul) read more CD
TK/Ultra Vybe (Japan), 1980. New Copy ... $22.99
A rare TK Records effort from James Brown – very much in the best uptempo funk mode of the later Polydor years! The groove here is quite similar to those better-known efforts – grooves that are a bit quicker than a few years before, but still played in a core JB funky style – ... (Soul) read more CD
(Part of the Miami Sound – Original Soul/Funk/Disco Collection series!)
Dave Burrell —
Only Me ... CD Trio/Ultra Vybe (Japan), 1973. New Copy ... Temporarily Out Of Stock
Some of the most beautiful work ever recorded by pianist Dave Burrell – a solo session issued only in Japan, featuring Burrell on a Steinway recorded in the wide open space of a performance hall in Tokyo! There's a photo on the back cover that has a pair of suitcases behind Burrell at the ... (Jazz) read more CD
(Part of the Jazz Legends In Japan series!)
Trio/Ultra Vybe (Japan), 1977. New Copy ... $22.99
A wonderful set from Ann Burton – one of hers more obscure sessions from the 70s – recorded in Tokyo in 1977! Like many of Burton's best albums, the set has a great feel overall – laidback, almost effortless, but never sleepy – as Burton manages to always remember that she's ... (Vocalists) read more CD
(Part of the Jazz Legends In Japan series!)
Billy Butler & Infinity —
Hung Up On You ... CD Pride/Ultra Vybe (Japan), 1973. New Copy ... Out Of Stock
A gem of a record from the great Billy Butler – brother of better-known Jerry from the Chicago scene, and maybe best known for his northern soul work of the 60s – but a hell of a great artist here in a rare group soul date from the 70s! Billy's lead vocals are supported by the Infinity ... (Soul) read more CD
Pride/Ultra Vybe (Japan), 1972. New Copy ... $13.99
One of Jerry Butler's funkiest moments of the 70s – served up in a fantastic soundtrack co-penned and arranged by the great Jerry Peters! Peters is best known for his hip work with a variety of soul acts in the studio, but he really steps out here for the score to Melinda – a lesser-kno ... (Soul) read more CD
Trio/Ultra Vybe (Japan), 1978. New Copy ... $22.99
A really great group – one that we've never seen under this name before, but which features familiar names Dwight Dickerson on piano and Donald Bailey on drums, plus bass from Harvey Newmark! The album's got all the lyrical charm and sparkle of Dickerson's best from the time – a really ... (Jazz) read more CD
(Part of the Jazz Legends In Japan series!)
GC Cameron —
Give Me Your Love ... CD Malaco/Ultra Vybe (Japan), 1983. New Copy ... Out Of Stock
A wonderful later album from GC Cameron – a singer you might know best as the early lead in The Spinners – sounding quite different here in a Malaco Records setting! The album's got Cameron slow-stepping through some great mellow soul cuts – warm, sensuous tunes that work ... (Soul) read more CD
(Part of the Malaco Definitive Collection, The Truth Of Southern Soul Series!)
Good Sounds/Ultra Vybe (Japan), 1977. New Copy ... $22.99
Nothing cheesy about this sweet little set – a warmly soulful batch of tunes from this lesser-light of the TK Records universe in the 70s – a great group with a beautiful way of mixing compressed rock and tight soulful undercurrents! The approach has echoes of more commercial work of ... (Rock) read more CD
(Part of the Miami Sound – Original Soul/Funk/Disco Collection series!)
Otis Clay —
Hi Records Single Collection ... CD Hi Records/Ultra Vybe (Japan), Mid 70s. New Copy ... Out Of Stock
A great slice of work from Chicago soul singer Otis Clay – a collection of his 70s singles for the Hi Records label – a number of which never appeared on his albums at the time! Clay's work was some of the best male soul on the label next to Al Green – and he received a similar ... (Soul) read more CD
Solar/Ultra Vybe (Japan), 1983. New Copy ... $22.99
Collage may not have been the biggest group during the legendary early run of Solar Records – but they were certainly one of the tightest – as you'll hear on this classic album of 80s groove! Collage boast a lot more members than their contemporaries – a total of 10 guys are ... (Soul) read more CD
(Part of the Solar Records Original Masters Collection!)
Constellation/Ultra Vybe (Japan), 1985. New Copy ... $22.99
Fantastic funky soul from the prime years of the jheri curl scene on the west coast – served up by a group who are maybe a more electro-styled combo than their labelmates The Whispers and Lakeside! Collage are even heavier on the basslines and keyboards than on the previous record – ... (Soul) read more CD
(Part of the Solar Records Original Master Collection series!)
Stanley Cowell & Dave Burrell —
Questions/Trio/Ultra Vybe (Japan), 1973. New Copy ... Temporarily Out Of Stock
Amazing duo improvisations from two of the hippest pianists of the early 70s – Stanley Cowell and Dave Burrell, coming together here on a rare Japanese-only album – one that features two long tracks that each take up a side of the disc! The vibe is maybe a bit more avant at times than ... (Jazz) read more CD
(Part of the Jazz Legends In Japan series!)
Trio/Ultra Vybe (Japan), 1979. New Copy ... $22.99
A fantastic, freewheeling session from trumpeter Ted Curson – one that we'd rank right up there with his seminal sides for the French Futura label! Like those, this album really features Ted stretching things out – working in very loose trio formation, with just Ray Drummond on bass ... (Jazz) read more CD
(Part of the Jazz Legends In Japan series!)
Jack DeJohnette —
Jackeyboard ... CD Trio/Ultra Vybe (Japan), 1973. New Copy ... Temporarily Out Of Stock
Jack DeJohnette is a hell of a drummer, and he's also a hell of a pianist too – a side of Jack's talents that isn't always shown on record, and which has maybe never been as well-recorded as on this fantastic Japanese session from the 70s! DeJohnette has a spiritual, long-building approach ... (Jazz) read more CD
(Part of the Jazz Legends In Japan series!)
Eric Dolphy —
Berlin Concerts ... CD Enja/Ultra Vybe (Japan), 1961. New Copy ... Temporarily Out Of Stock
Wonderful work by Dolphy – as essential to his catalog as any of his albums on Prestige from the same time! Although Dolphy broke plenty of musical barriers in the studio, to our ears, it was always in a live setting that he sounded best – freely exploring the kind of space his playing ... (Jazz) read more CD
(Part of the Enja Real Jazz Classics series!)
Lamont Dozier —
Love & Beauty (plus bonus tracks) ... CD Invictus/Ultra Vybe (Japan), 1974. New Copy ... Temporarily Out Of Stock
A massive album by Lamont Dozier – probably his best ever! Every cut's a winner, and the LP shines with a sharpness and tightness that's missing from some of Lamont's other LPs from the 70s. The songwriting is impeccable – and as the album progresses, you get that eerie "deja ... (Soul) read more CD
Invictus/Ultra Vybe (Japan), 1971. New Copy ... $13.99
The first album by 8th Day – a record with a bit of a complicated pedigree, but a massive amount of 70s Detroit soul as well! The set was supposedly compiled to cash in on the group's hit single "She's Not Just Another Woman" – reportedly recorded by 100 Proof Aged In Soul, ... (Soul) read more CD
Also available 8th Day (180 gram pressing) ... LP 28.99
Columbia/Ultra Vybe (Japan), 1975. New Copy ... $22.99
Electric keyboards galore – and a sweet 70s album from Japan! The set features a large group of Japanese keyboard players – all playing Korg synthesizers, in styles that range from laidback and mellow to upbeat and funky! The group's got core backing by a tight rhythm combo – ... (Jazz) read more CD
(Part of the "Nippon Jazz Spirits 48" series!)
Eli's Second Coming —
Eli's Second Coming ... CD Silver Blue/Ultra Vybe (Japan), 1977. New Copy ... Temporarily Out Of Stock
A great little set of 70s soul – and one of the more obscure groups to ever record for the TK Records family of labels! Not to be confused with the Laura Nyro hit "Eli's Coming", this group's one that's headed up by Philly Soul maestro Bobby Eli – composer of, producer for, ... (Soul) read more CD
(Part of the Miami Sound – Original Soul/Funk/Disco Collection series!)
Europe Jazz All Stars (Surman/Trio/Ultra Vybe (Japan), 1970. New Copy ... Just Sold Out!
An overlooked performance by a quintet of avant jazz masters from the European scene at the start of the 70s – one that was recorded and issued only over in Japan, but which bristles with the energy of some of the best French and German avant albums of the time! The tracks are long, and ... (Jazz) read more CD
(Part of the Jazz Legends In Japan series!)
Amazon/Ultra Vybe (Japan), 1978. New Copy ... $22.99
A 70s album on Miami's powerhouse TK Records – but a set that's got a real northeast pedigree, given that arrangements were handled by John Davis, and the whole thing was recorded at the New York branch of Sigma Sound! Peggy Santiglia handles the lead vocals, but many of the tracks are long-s ... (Soul) read more CD
(Part of the Miami Sound – Original Soul/Funk/Disco Collection series!)
Sunshine Sound/Ultra Vybe (Japan), 1978. New Copy ... $22.99
Funky soul from this fantastic female duo – a pair who work here with plenty of help from Harry Wayne Casey and Richard Finch of KC & The Sunshine Band – and who get plenty of that group's elements in their rhythms! One way to think of this set is as the best funk from KC and crew, ... (Soul) read more CD
(Part of the Miami Sound – Original Soul/Funk/Disco Collection series!)
Tommy Flanagan —
Eclypso ... CD Enja/Ultra Vybe (Japan), 1977. New Copy ... $14.99
A sweetly swinging seventies set from pianist Tommy Flanagan – one of those records that's a perfect balance between the bop-inspired dexterity of his work on the keyboard, and that undeniable warmth he always brought to his best recordings! Tommy's got maybe a bit more bite on the keys, ... (Jazz) read more CD
(Part of the Enja Real Jazz Classics series!)
Enja/Ultra Vybe (Germany), 1980. New Copy ... About April 22, 2020 (delayed)
A well-titled super session from pianist Tommy Flanagan, bassist Red Mitchell, and drummer Elvin Jones – and one with a bit more sense of surprise than similar all-star trio outings from the 80s! There's a looseness here that's a good antidote to some of the more tightly-produced Japanese ... (Jazz) read more CD
Frank Foster —
Loud Minority ... CD Mainstream/Ultra Vybe (Japan), 1972. New Copy ... Out Of Stock
One of the most amazing albums ever from Frank Foster – a totally righteous set that's light years ahead of his earlier work with the Basie Band! The format here is right up there with the best on Strata East at the time – a large-group session that's filled with some of the hippest ... (Jazz) read more CD
(Part of the Mainstream Records Master Collection!)
Dash/Ultra Vybe (Japan), 1979. New Copy ... $13.99
Way more than disco, a bit different than funk, and a lot cooler than you might guess from the image on the cover – a stone classic from Miami groovers Foxy, and easily one of their best records ever! The set's nice and tight right from the start – not really disco, but more of a ... (Soul) read more CD
Malaco/Ultra Vybe (Japan), 1979. New Copy ... $22.99
An amazing, unjustly obscure bit of southern funky soul – played with kind of a club oriented groove, and a strong nod towards middle-period Earth, Wind, & Fire – a far different vibe than a lot of the southern soul on the Malaco label! The band has some nice harmony vocals over a ... (Soul) read more CD
(Part of the "Malaco – The Truth Of Southern Soul Definitive Collection" series!)
Groove Merchant/Ultra Vybe (Japan), 1973. New Copy ... $16.99
The title certainly gets it right – as the album's one of the funkiest ever from guitarist George Freeman, and one of the few to really hit that messed-up groove he was working in the clubs before his mid 70s retreat to Chicago! The style here is often all over the map – a mix of soul ... (Jazz) read more CD
(Part of the Groove Merchant Mo' Groovy Collection!)
Daybreak/Ultra Vybe (Japan), 1977. New Copy ... About May 17, 2020 (delayed)
Arguably one of Von Freeman's most obscure recordings – and many of them are pretty darn obscure! The set was recorded for the Daybreak label, live in the Netherlands in 1977 – with a strong Chicago rhythm section that features John Young on piano, David Shipp on bass, and Charles ... (Jazz) read more CD
Ultra Vybe (Japan), 1977. New Copy ... $24.99
A well-titled album from Japanese pianist Ryo Fukui – one that's got a warm sense of flow that takes it well past conventional piano trio work! The group here features Fukui on piano, Satoshi Denpo on bass, and Yoshinori Fukui on drums – all working together beautifully as a unit ... (Jazz) read more CD
(Part of the "Nippon Jazz Spirits 48" series!)
Ultra Vybe (Japan), 1976. New Copy ... $22.99
Lyrical magic from pianist Ryo Fukui – a lost gem from the Japanese scene of the 70s, and a beautifully flowing album throughout! Fukui's got a wide-open touch to the piano that we totally love – and is easily one of the best of his contemporaries on the Japanese trio scene of the time ... (Jazz) read more CD
(Part of the "Nippon Jazz Spirits 48" series!)
Timeless/Ultra Vybe (Japan), 1982. New Copy ... About May 17, 2020 (delayed)
A rare Japanese-only session from Red Garland – recorded in the early 80s with support from Ahmad Jamal's old trio-mates – Jamil Nassar on bass and Frank Gant on drums! The Garland heard here is a gentler one than on his earlier recordings – playing with a nice Jamal-like sense ... (Jazz) read more CD
Trio/Ultra Vybe (Japan), 1980. New Copy ... $22.99
A nicely understated set from piano genius Red Garland – a master of understatement himself, but in completely great form in this Japanese-only live set from the start of the 80s – one that also features guest work from Lou Donaldson on two of the album's tracks! The sound quality is ... (Jazz) read more CD
(Part of the Jazz Legends In Japan series!)
Ultra Vybe/Tabu (Japan), 1983. New Copy ... $13.99
General Caine's plenty dangerous here – so much so, they found a way to fuse an electric socket to the midsection of the model on the cover! That joke aside, though, the album's got the same tight approach to funk of the group's previous records – made maybe even tighter here by great ... (Soul) read more CD
Tabu/Ultra Vybe (Japan), 1982. New Copy ... $13.99
General Caine's got plenty of girls on the cover, and plenty of funk in his groove – that bass-heavy style that made Caine one of the better mainstream funk acts of the time! The General is actually Mitch McDowell – who'd worked previously with James Brown and George Clinton, and ... (Soul) read more CD
Invictus/Ultra Vybe (Japan), 1971. New Copy ... $13.99
A great album by one of lost groups on the Invictus label! Glass House were a stellar male/female vocal group with a good deep soul sound – very much in the spirit of other Invictus albums of the era, with a tremendous feel for down home, gritty soul but executed with the smooth HDH vibe ... (Soul) read more CD
Also available Inside The Glass House (180 gram pressing) ... LP 24.99
Trio/Ultra Vybe (Japan), 1976. New Copy ... $22.99
Bassist Eddie Gomez hardly ever has a down stretch – especially given all the creative combinations he's worked in over the years – and this rare 70s album from Japan is more of a high point than anything "down" at all! The record's a trio date, with killer work on Fender ... (Jazz) read more CD
(Part of the Jazz Legends In Japan series!)
Al Green —
Free Soul – The Treasure Of Al Green ... CD Hi Records/Ultra Vybe (Japan), Late 60s/Early 70s. New Copy ... Temporarily Out Of Stock
Over 80 minutes of magic from the great Al Green – a special entry into the Japanese-only series of Free Soul collections! The series often mixes together great tracks from different artists, but this volume features only music from the godlike Al himself – a warm, mellow blend of ... (Soul) read more CD
Cream/Ultra Vybe (Japan), 1978. New Copy ... $13.99
A tasty double-live set from Al Green – one that has him working through longer versions of tunes than you'd hear on his studio albums, and really doing great in front of an appreciative Japanese crowd! The overall approach here is a bit more modern than on some of his older Hi albums – ... (Soul) read more CD
Malaco/Ultra Vybe (Japan), 1984. New Copy ... $9.99
Three gals – all named Greene – coming together in a sweet 80s update of girl group modes! There's a style here that's definitely in the same territory as the Mary Jane Girls – lots of catchy lyrics and sweet bubbling electro rhythms – but the girls also have this really ... (Soul) read more CD
(Part of the Malaco Definitive Collection, The Truth Of Southern Soul Series!)
Trio/Ultra Vybe (Japan), 1980. New Copy ... $22.99
There's nothing lazy about the piano of Sadik Hakim here – as the album's a superb live trio date, issued only in Japan – and a record that stands with the handful of gems Hakim gave us at the time! The trio's got a very particular flavor – in part because the deep tones of Errol ... (Jazz) read more CD
(Part of the Jazz Legends In Japan series!)
Chico Hamilton —
El Exigente ... CD Flying Dutchman/Ultra Vybe (Japan), 1970. New Copy ... Out Of Stock
Great work from a fantastic period of drummer Chico Hamilton – a time when he'd moved way past the chamber jazz of his 50s years, and even some of his more freewheeling 60s modes on Impulse Records! Here, Chico seems really obsessed with rhythm – to a level where he's not afraid to ... (Jazz) read more CD
(Part of the Flying Dutchman 1000 Master Collection!)
Roland Hanna —
Glove ... CD Trio/Ultra Vybe (Japan), 1976. New Copy ... Temporarily Out Of Stock
Exactly the kind of session that lets pianist Roland Hanna shine the most – a trio set recorded in Japan with an open, flowing sort of vibe – one that comes not just from Hanna's impeccable work on the keys, but also from the trio accompaniment by George Mraz on bass and Motohiko Hino ... (Jazz) read more CD
(Part of the Jazz Legends In Japan series!)
Columbia/Ultra Vybe (Japan), 1960. New Copy ... $22.99
Hard driving jazz from the Japanese scene of the 50s! The album's one of the best recorded by Nobu Hara and the legendary Sharpes & Flats group – a really swinging set of big band jazz that drives with the power of some of the 60s recordings by the Clarke-Boland Big Band, and which ... (Jazz) read more CD
(Part of the "Nippon Jazz Spirits 48" series!)
Johnny Hartman —
Live At Sometime ... CD Trio/Ultra Vybe (Japan), 1977. New Copy ... Temporarily Out Of Stock
A rare 70s album from the legendary Johnny Hartman – a singer who recorded famously on our shores during the 60s, then had a much more obscure run of records in the following decade! The performance is live, a really intimate set that features Rolland Hanna on piano and George Mraz on bass ... (Vocalists) read more CD
(Part of the Jazz Legends In Japan series!)
Enja/Ultra Vybe (Japan), 1981. New Copy ... About April 22, 2020 (delayed)
Mainstream/Ultra Vybe (Japan), 1971. New Copy ... $13.99
Drummer Roy Haynes works here with an ensemble that's definitely as hip as the title promises – a really righteous group that makes the album one of Roy's most spiritual records ever! Haynes was always a drummer who was really a cut above, even back at the start – but here, he really ... (Jazz) read more CD
Also available Roy Haynes Hip Ensemble ... CD 11.99
Enja/Ultra Vybe (Japan), 1982. New Copy ... $14.99
A mixed bag of tracks from Jon Hendricks – but with some really great moments! The set was recorded in Germany in 1982, and it features Jon running through a variety of styles to please the crowd – some of them blusey, some of them straight readings of older numbers – but on a ... (Vocalists) read more CD
(Part of the Enja Real Jazz Classics series!)
Love/Ultra Vybe (Japan), 1970. New Copy (reissue)... About April 18, 2020 (delayed)
Trumpeter Terumasa Hino at a level that's quite different than most of his early work in Japan – recording in New York, and using a very spiritual approach – one that's clearly influenced by some of the other players in the session! The album features one long track – a bit ... (Jazz) read more LP, Vinyl record album
Love/Ultra Vybe (Japan), 1970. New Copy (reissue)... About April 17, 2020 (delayed)
An amazing moment from Japanese trumpeter Terumasa Hino – an early 70s session recorded in America – with fantastic work from Gary Bartz on alto and Reggie Workman on bass! The album's not like Hino's later American dates – which were often more fusion based – as the style ... (Jazz) read more LP, Vinyl record album
Love/Ultra Vybe (Japan), 1970. New Copy (reissue)... About April 17, 2020 (delayed)
A fantastic collaboration between Japanese trumpeter Terumasa Hino and avant bassist Reggie Workman – one that might seem unusual if you only know Hino's later work, but which was part of a few key collaborations that Hino and Workman did together at the start of the 70s – part of a ... (Jazz) read more LP, Vinyl record album
TDK/Ultra Vybe (Japan), 1970. New Copy ... About April 17, 2020 (delayed)
Groundbreaking work from Japanese trumpeter Terumasa Hino – recorded on an early trip to New York, back in 1970, working with a sextet that includes some of his own Japanese players, like drummer Motohiko Hino and pianist Hideo Ichikawa, plus the great American bassist Reggie Workman! The ... (Jazz) read more LP, Vinyl record album
Timeless/Ultra Vybe (Japan), 1991. New Copy ... About May 17, 2020 (delayed)
Johnny Hodges —
3 Shades Of Blue ... CD Flying Dutchman/Ultra Vybe (Japan), 1970. New Copy ... Out Of Stock
An excellent late Johnny Hodges album that mixes his supreme talents with two of the other big stars of the Flying Dutchman label – Oliver Nelson and Leon Thomas – both of whom contribute wonderfully to the set! Nelson arranged the whole album, and gives it the groovy feel of some of ... (Jazz) read more CD
(Part of the Flying Dutchman 1000 Master Collection!)
Black & Blue/Ultra Vybe (Japan), 1980. New Copy ... $16.99
A really cooking live set from Hammond hero Richard Groove Holmes – a record that follows strongly from his best 70s material on the Muse and Groove Merchant labels, but much more obscure overall! The tunes have that long, freewheeling vibe that always made Groove in a live setting so ... (Jazz) read more CD
(Part of the Black & Blue Real Jazz Classics series!)
Groove Merchant/Ultra Vybe (Japan), 1974. New Copy ... $13.99
Funky funky Groove Holmes – one of his tightest albums ever! The set's a monumental batch of organ jazz groovers – recorded with some larger backings from Manny Albam, and a super-dope, super-funk sort of 70s feel that's really outta site! The tracks are lean and very rhythmically ... (Jazz) read more CD
Takehiro Honda —
I Love You ... CD Trio/Ultra Vybe (Japan), 1971. New Copy ... Out Of Stock
Straight trio grooving from Takehiro Honda – but pretty darn great work nonetheless! The album's a nice bridge between the harder, more rhythmic pulse of his early soul jazz sessions, and the later, freer sound of his more lyrical trio sides – and the whole album shows Honda opening up ... (Jazz) read more CD
(Part of the "Nippon Jazz Spirits 48" series!)
Takehiro Honda —
Jodo – Pure Land ... CD Trio/Ultra Vybe (Japan), 1970. New Copy ... Out Of Stock
A great trio date that has Takehiro Honda working with Reggie Workman on bass and Motohiko Hino on drums – an extremely great group that really takes off in this setting! The record is one of the freer sides from Honda at the time – done in the more open, lyrical modes that were coming ... (Jazz) read more CD
(Part of the "Nippon Jazz Spirits 48" series!)
Trio/Ultra Vybe (Japan), 1970. New Copy ... $22.99
Some of the earliest work we've ever seen from Japanese keyboard legend Takehiro Honda – a great batch of trio tracks, recorded with an open spirit and freely soaring vibe! Honda's playing acoustic piano throughout – working in a trio with Yoshio Suzuki and Fumio Watanabe – and ... (Jazz) read more CD
(Part of the "Nippon Jazz Spirits 48" series!)
Trio/Ultra Vybe (Japan), 1972. New Copy ... $22.99
A great early album from Japanese pianist Takehiro Honda – one of the key jazz talents of Japan in the 70s, and a wonderfully lyrical keyboardist with a style that's right up there with the best American players of the 60s. Unlike later albums, which have Honda grooving with a bit more of an ... (Jazz) read more CD
(Part of the "Nippon Jazz Spirits 48" series!)
Trio/Ultra Vybe (Japan), 1973. New Copy ... $24.99
Early soul jazz piano work from Takehiro Honda – recorded in a style that's quite different than most of his later albums! The sound here is full and rich – with Honda's work on the keys augmented by fuller backings arranged by Teddy Adams – all recorded in the US (we think), ... (Jazz) read more CD
(Part of the "Nippon Jazz Spirits 48" series!)
Takehiro Honda & Mama T —
Misty ... CD Trio/Ultra Vybe (Japan), 1971. New Copy ... Temporarily Out Of Stock
A rare vocal session from pianist Takehiro Honda – one recorded with Japanese singer Mama T, who sings here in English throughout! Mama's name is one that might make you think she's a blues singer – but her approach is mostly that of a 60s soul jazz vocalist – jazz at the core, ... (Jazz) read more CD
(Part of the "Nippon Jazz Spirits 48" series!)
Trio/Ultra Vybe (Japan), 1969. New Copy ... $22.99
A fantastic pairing of two key Japanese talents of the late 60s – pianist Takehiro Honda and reedman Sadao Watanabe – both of whom come together here on a record that's one of their most soulful of the time! Honda's clearly drinking deep from the soul jazz modes of Ramsey Lewis, Les ... (Jazz) read more CD
(Part of the "Nippon Jazz Spirits 48" series!)
Hot Wax/Ultra Vybe (Japan), 1971. New Copy ... $13.99
The second album by Honey Cone – and the one that really broke them out of the box! The record's got a groove that gets going right from the start – a sense of upbeat, soulful energy that really shows why the Honey Cone approach was so different than most of the girl groups who came ... (Soul) read more CD
Jimmy Bo Horne —
Dance Across The Floor ... CD Sunshine Sound/Ultra Vybe (Japan), 1978. New Copy ... Temporarily Out Of Stock
A killer classic from Jimmy Bo Horne – one of the sharpest male singers to work for the TK family of labels in the late 70s – and one who could really summarize all the greatness of Miami soul with a record like this! The album's got all the funky fullness of some of the larger TK ... (Soul) read more CD
Jimmy Bo Horne —
Goin Home For Love ... CD Sunshine Sound/Ultra Vybe (Japan), 1979. New Copy ... Temporarily Out Of Stock
Malaco/Ultra Vybe (Japan), 1988. New Copy ... $22.99
An under-discovered batch of jazzy soul from Bobbi Humphrey – an artist we love for her 70s work on Blue Note and Epic, still sounding pretty great here in the late 80s! The overall style of the album's a bit different than Bobbi's 70s work – more in a Patrice Rushen blend of 80s ... (Jazz) read more CD
(Part of the "Malaco – The Truth Of Southern Soul Definitive Collection" series!)
Incredible Bongo Band —
Bongo Rock (with bonus tracks) ... CD Pride/Ultra Vybe (Japan), Early 70s. New Copy ... Out Of Stock
A landmark album that is perhaps the single most influential beat source in hip hop! The record was the brainchild of bongo player Michael Viner – who also happened to be running the Pride subsidiary of MGM at the time. Viner's got a meeeeeean touch on the bongo, hitting it hard and funky ... (Soul) read more CD
Ultra Vybe (Japan), 1960s/1970s. New Copy ... $22.99
Breezy and easy vocals from Japan – a collection of recordings made by singer Kayo Ishu from the late 60s and 1970s – not really "scat" in a conventional style, but cool wordless vocals with a sweet jazzy feel! The 19 track set brings together tunes from a variety of ... (Vocalists) read more CD
(Part of the "Nippon Jazz Spirits 48" series!)
Ultra Vybe (Japan), 1969/1971. New Copy ... $22.99
A beautiful little CD – especially if you like dreamy French soundtrack work from the 60s! Kayo Ishu sings a variety of tunes from famous 60s soundtracks, but about a quarter of the set is work by the mighty Francis Lai – done in a moody, mellow style that's right in keeping with his ... (Vocalists) read more CD
(Part of the "Nippon Jazz Spirits 48" series!)
