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Sadao Watanabe – Morning Island (1979)


Hi guys! Usually when I do a research for my blog I decide to rely on blind luck. This time with some help of a friend from work I turned to Japan to discover some jazz music. Then album Morning Island by Sadao Watanabe emerged. After quick check on the Internet I realised that I’m about to hear a legendary musician that was playing on saxophone before even my parents were born! So I quickly dived into this album and learnt that there is a lot of beautiful music ahead of me. Sadao Watanbe is a Japanese multi instrumentalist who divided his time between his homeland and USA (he was a student in Boston Barkley's collage). Morning Island is a 42th (!) release by this great musician (he has more than 70 compilations and albums done!). So at the start I had a title song. And it couldn't be more beautiful! Sound is soothing, mellow with a flute that provides a lovely melody, if you are not in the mood after you woke up, try this song! I bet it will ease your nerves and help you to find this brighter spot of the morning (especially on Monday!). “Down East” is more funky/soul style with up beat tempo and some cool saxophone. Strings, percussion and bass guitar give it well known American style, easily recognizable from TV shows and movies from that era. Additionally a delicate but notable guitar does some small solo fills. After this catchy song it was time to slow down and let myself relax with serenade. Another song for a soothing feel. What is great about this track, even if you not into this genre, it sounds very approachable. It is like Sadao wants you to sit down, have a drink and just enjoy your time. Perfectly peaceful music. “We are the One” brings back us to this style from Down East. Most notable strings and of course saxophone create dreamy style that you can just dance to. Since I’m writibg this review in the morning, this album definitely helps with a heavy feeling of upcoming hours. “Home Meeting” is more Orleans music/blues influenced song. Great detune keys add this authenticity of unique track. You can also fell more jazzy style as Mr. Watanabe does more unexpectedly then in previous songs. This is a great example for someone who always wanted to explore this genre but wasn’t sure where to start. “Petet Velse Pur Sadao” is another masterpiece with Sado playing on flute. Delicate, dreamy style, with a piano that can go along after “Morning Island”. For me it is a pure entertain. “Samba the Marcos” as a name says, brings this Latin vibe to Watanabe record. It’s great to see his spectrum of music is far and wide. At the end we get “Inner Embrace”. It’s a mellow ballad that to contrary of “Morning Island” is perfect when you want to take a nap or it’s time for a sleep. Slower tempo, string section perfectly fill keys and slowly fade away at the end. Conclusion: I’m in love with this album! Sadao Watanabe is a phenomenal musician who needs more recognition! I believe he is well known in his genre but needs more attention from exactly everybody. While I’m writing this review I’m downloading his other work to get more of this fantastic music. I don’t know where I’m going to end up but I know it will be a pleasant journey!

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Location: Edinburgh, UK

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