“Today, I want to play better than yesterday. Tomorrow, better than today”. With this belief in his heart, Ryo Fukui devoted himself to the piano for forty years.

His touch became more powerful, his emotions deeper, his tone more richly fragrant. Even setting aside the fact that this is his final work, the album stands as a pure and undeniable masterpiece.

Ryo Fukui, the renowned pianist from Hokkaido who sadly passed away in 2016, has earned global recognition among jazz listeners through his highly praised early works Scenery and Mellow Dream. A Letter From Slowboat, recorded in 2015, marked his first leader album in sixteen years. The sessions took place at Slowboat his musical home together with two young musicians whose talent Fukui himself deeply trusted. The lyricism that seeps through “Sonora”, the poetic warmth enveloping “Stella By Starlight,” the vibrant energy coursing through “Speak Low” each performance is filled with life. His touch grew more forceful, his emotions more profound, his musical fragrance even more luxuriant.

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.