Isao Suzuki Trio / Quartet - Blow Up

When the needle drops on Impex Records’ definitive reissue of the Isao Suzuki Trio’s Blow Up, you aren't just listening to a record—you are stepping directly into Tokyo’s Aoi Studio circa 1973. Originally released on the legendary Three Blind Mice label, this masterpiece of post-bop and soul-jazz has long been a holy grail for audiophiles, celebrated as much for its smoky, late-night atmosphere as its jaw-dropping acoustic realism. By meticulously cut-cutting the album at 45 RPM from the original analog tapes, Impex has elevated Suzuki’s foundational, woody bass plucks and Kunihiko Sugano’s cascading piano lines into an astonishingly vivid sonic landscape. It stands as a breathtaking tribute to a golden era of Japanese jazz, captured with the kind of panoramic depth and dynamic punch that reminds us exactly why we still fall in love with vinyl.

Originally recorded on March 29 and 30, 1973, at Aoi Studio in Tokyo, Blow Up won the prestigious "Jazz of Japan" Award from Swing Journal. It is widely celebrated for its striking studio realism, deep low-end bass extensions, and adventurous performance elements, including Suzuki's unique "scratching" cello techniques.

Mastered by Kevin Gray and pressed at RTI, this 45rpm LP will live up to and surpass your most demanding judgments. Blow Up is one of the most sough-after titles from the acclaimed Three Blind Mice catalog. Isao Suzuki’s Blow-Up is virtuosity and class all rolled up into one. A great combination of upbeat blues and mellow grooves! The album was awarded “Jazz of Japan” Award and the Jazz Disc Award of “Swing Journal” in 1973. 

Features

• 180g 45rpm Double LP
• Mastered by Kevin Gray
  
• Pressed at RTI
• Premium HQ-180 Super Vinyl

Tracklist

Notes

• Label: IMPEX 
• Musicians
  • Isao Suzuki, bass & cello
    
  • Kunihiko Sugano, piano & Fender-piano
    
  • George Otsuka, drums
    
  • Takashi Mizuhashi, bass