Jiro Inagaki & His Soul Media - In The Groove

Jiro Inagaki & His Soul Media - In The Groove

Released in July 1973, In The Groove marks a decisive turning point in the evolution of Jiro Inagaki & His Soul Media. Recorded at Columbia Akasaka Studio No. 2 in February 1973, the album captures the moment the group moved beyond jazz-rock to embrace a deeper, groove-oriented sound rooted in the spirit of American soul and jazz-funk. Inspired by the sophisticated musicianship of The Crusaders, Inagaki pursued what he described as a stronger sense of "blackness"—not by imitating American music, but by forging a uniquely Japanese interpretation built on precision, feeling and collective interplay.

The streamlined sextet delivers a masterclass in restraint and groove. Electric piano, expressive guitar, fluid saxophone lines and an unshakable rhythm section create an effortless balance between improvisation and rhythm, while original compositions sit naturally alongside carefully chosen reinterpretations. Every performance reflects the group's growing confidence and musical maturity.

Often overshadowed by its celebrated successor Funky Stuff, In The Groove is in many ways the album where Soul Media truly found its identity. Elegant, soulful and irresistibly rhythmic, it stands today as one of the essential recordings of Japanese jazz-funk and a cornerstone of the WaJazz movement.

Jiro Inagaki (1933–2024) was one of the most influential figures in Japanese jazz. After beginning his professional career while still in high school, he formed the Jiro Inagaki Quintet in 1962 before founding the legendary jazz-rock group Soul Media in 1969. His recordings from the 1970s remain highly sought-after by collectors and DJs worldwide.

Alongside his own projects, Inagaki enjoyed an outstanding career as a session musician, performing in Japan with artists including Stevie Wonder, Frank Sinatra, The Stylistics and The Temptations. As a producer and musical director, he also worked with major Japanese stars such as Hideki Saijo and Pink Lady, while contributing extensively to Eiichi Ohtaki's Niagara productions.

- Artist: Jiro Inagaki & His Soul Media
- Title: In The Groove
- Label: Nippon Columbia Co., Ltd.
- Original Release : 1973/07/25
- Original Catalog Number: NCB-7021

Alto Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone – Jiro Inagaki
Bass – Akira Okazawa
Drums – Hajime Ishimatsu
Electric Piano – Takeshi Kamachi
Guitar – Tsunehide Matsuki
Trombone – Takashi Imai
veröffentlicht am 17. September 2026 
https://180g-j-digs.bandcamp.com/album/in-the-groove