Shunzoh Ohno

Next up, we'll take a quick look at trumpeter Shunzoh Ohno. While checking for other appearances from keyboardist Mikio Masuda, I came across Ohno's album from 1973, Falter Out. After enjoying it quite a bit, next I found 1979's Quarter Moon. Both are fantastic albums and readily available digitally. 

At that point, and after a little bit of effort, I came across copies of the 2 albums that Ohno released in the time between. First, we have 1975's Something's Coming. Recorded in NYC, Ohno is joined by a supporting cast of mostly Americans. Reggie Lucas is on guitar, Cedric Lawson is on keys, Don Pate on bass, and the legendary Roy Haynes is on drums. Masabumi Kikuchi is also here on the organ. All Ohno originals here with the opening title track being my favorite. Lawson on the clavinet stands out - aside from Ohno on trumpet, of course. One thing to note here, and I have no way of knowing for sure, but I believe track 2 cuts short on this copy. It ends abruptly - but I'm not 100% if that's by design or not.

Next up we have 1976's Bubbles. Haynes and Lucas return on drums and guitar, respectively. The personnel listed doesn't include a bassist, which is a little odd to me. Sam Johnson and Ronald Brockett Jr are both on keys. And Neil Clarke is providing some welcomed percussion. A favorite of mine. Great fusion here through and through. 

The opening title track features Ohno playing his melodica which I find to be quite enjoyable. And they reprise the title track to close the album. All Ohno originals here with the exception being the Haynes tune "Bullfight" which sounds exactly as you'd expect. Another favorite of mine is the melodic "Song For My Kid" but honestly this is a great album top to bottom. 

If you dig what you hear here, I definitely recommend Falter Out and Quarter Moon. Even Antares is worth an honorable mention. Enjoy!