Sadao Watanabe - Pamoja

I haven't dove too deeply into Sadao Watanabe's catalog - but I did come across this Pamoja album by way of the personnel. It's a fantastic recording so I wanted to share despite being the only album from Sadao that I have ready to go. 

Joining Sadao (alto and flute,) we have a lineup of absolute giants. Starting with some familiar faces from Native Son - drummer Hiroshi Murakami, pianist Takehiro Honda, and trombonist Hiroshi Fukumura. We also have Yoshiaki Masuo on guitar, icon Isao Suzuki on bass with Masahiko Togashi on percussion. I have a ton to share from Isao but that'll have to wait for another day. 

Recorded live in 1975, this features 3 originals from Sadao, along with the standard from Cole Porter, "Ev'ry Time We Say Goodbye." Personal favorites for me are the opening track "Vichakani" and the slightly more energetic title track. This is a stellar performance from start to finish. If you're here - I hope you dig it.