Motohiko Hino

Today we will keep with the drummer theme and take a quick look at a couple of live albums from Motohiko Hino. Younger brother of the excellent trumpeter, Terumasa, who I will have a post for sometime soon, Motohiko was considered one of the best drummers from Japan during his career. Unfortunately, his life was cut short when he passed in 1999, at the age of 43. 

The first album to discuss is from 1975 and features a nice group of players who we've encountered at some point throughout our travels. Toko: At Nemu Jazz Inn was recorded live on July 20th, 1975 and features Mikio Masuda on keys, Kazumi Watanabe on guitar and our friend Isao Suzuki on bass. Fantastic fusion sound here on all 3 tracks that are originals from within the group. "You Make Me So Sad" is a Masuda tune that also appeared on Kohsuke Mine's Solid album that we covered previously. The remaining tracks are both from Watanabe, with both being the title tracks from his albums Olive's Step and Endless Way. Excellent fusion here with great chemistry amongst the group - especially between Masuda and Watanabe. Much of Watanabe's catalog can be found online but I do have a post for Masuda that I need to put together.

The following year, in 1976, another live album was released in, Ryuhyo - Sailing Ice. Originally another 3 track release, the copy I have here is the re-issue that includes 2 additional tunes. Watanabe returns on guitar, Nobuyoshi Ino is on bass, and we have 2 saxophonists in Mabumi Yamaguchi and Yasuaki Shimizu. This record is more hard-bop than fusion, in my opinion, and it's terrific from start to finish. My favorites here are both Steve Grossman tunes: "Rio Rome" and "New Moon." Great musicianship throughout as all 5 players are on point. A great listen, no doubt. 

Enjoy!