Syuya Okino (KYOTO JAZZ MASSIVE)’s long-awaited second solo album, which continues to captivate dance floors around the world, finally arrives on vinyl for the first time.
Titled “Destiny,” the album is built around the theme “Jazz Meets Boogie”, featuring an even split of cover versions and original compositions. More than just showcasing his exceptional DJ selection skills, this ambitious work sees Okino take on the legacy of musical greats as a composer.
One of the world’s leading DJs, Gilles Peterson, selected the album track “Still In Love” as his No.2 track of 2010 on his radio show “Worldwide.” House legend Danny Krivit also gave the track heavy play. Later licensed to the UK’s premier label Defected, “Still In Love” gained renewed global success in the 2020s through a single release on its sub-label Glitterbox.
Following the album “UNITED LEGENDS”, which was created entirely through email exchanges with 10 vocalists and 10 producers, “Destiny” was released in 2011 after two intervening remix albums.
Blending the sophistication of jazz with the pleasure of boogie, its one-of-a-kind sound spans soul, funk, R&B, dance classics, and even reaches into techno and disco dub.
As an underlying concept, Okino boldly challenged himself by having five vocalists each perform both an original track and a cover, inviting listeners to compare his songwriting directly with that of past masters.
A historic masterpiece of the club jazz/crossover scene, “Destiny” finally receives its vinyl release after 15 years. This is the album that cemented Syuya Okino’s popularity in Europe—alongside Kyoto Jazz Massive’s live performances—and it now returns in all its glory.
Featured Artists: N'Dea Davenport (The Brand New Heavies) / Navasha Daya (Fertile Ground) / Diviniti / Pirahnahead / Clara Hill / Pete Simpson / Motoharu (SOIL & "PIMP" SESSIONS) / Masato Nakamura (Masa Sextet / Sleep Walker) / Shota Hishiyama and more
