Surging intensity, erupting passion—here lies the raw, unfiltered Ryo Fukui that no one has heard before. A completely unreleased live recording that became the spark for the creation of Mellow Dream.
Who could have imagined that Ryo Fukui had left behind a recording like this? Captured on June 8, 1977, this previously unreleased live session was recorded at the Sapporo jazz club Vidro by Masataka Ito, the producer behind Fukui’s albums Scenery and Mellow Dream. It is unmistakably the Ryo Fukui Trio of that era, yet the performance possesses an overwhelming intensity and freshness that far surpass any studio recording—excitement in its purest form.
The 16‑minute, searing performance of “Mellow Dream” is just the beginning. The propulsive energy of “Speak Low”, the beautifully woven lyricism of “Body & Soul,” the blistering drive of “Love For Sale”, the weighty depth of “Mr. P.C.”, and the crystalline fragility of “My Foolish Heart”—each track is delivered with feverish brilliance.
It was this very live recording, excerpts of which were evaluated at the Trio Records headquarters at the time, that ultimately led to the production of Fukui’s second album Mellow Dream. In every sense, this is an extraordinarily precious document.
Text by Yusuke Ogawa (UNIVERSOUNDS / DEEP JAZZ REALITY)
※The world is paying close attention to the unparalleled quality of “Made in Japan”. This release features premium uncolored virgin vinyl, completely free of carbon or any other pigments that could affect sound quality. Using only high‑purity straight PVC and increasing the record weight to 180 grams ensures superior rotational stability and a richly expansive soundstage. Experience its precisely crafted sonic imaging with this 180g heavyweight / pure vinyl edition.
