Akasaka Jungle

Toshiki Nunokawa's 25th album as bandleader, "BC-DC-AC" is a culmination of his 45-year musical career and consists entirely of original compositions. This album was conceived during the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic has drastically changed the way music is shared and the role of musicians. During this turbulent period, Nunokawa conceived an album that would serve as a bridge between the music he has cultivated over the years and the music of the next generation. The title "BC-DC-AC" stands for the initials of "Before, During, and After." The "C' of course, stands for COVID-19. While Toshiki Nunokawa is well-known as a jazz guitarist and jazz instructor, the essence of his music lies in the band sound of his original compositions and the concept of VALIS (The band he first formed as the leader in 1985). In this album, songs featuring two distinct sounds coexist: one from VALIS Quattro, the band of peers he's played with for many years, and the other from Neutrio+, a band featuring musicians in their 20s. Elements of jazz, rock, funk, electronica, and more naturally fuse together, crystallizing into a unique "Nunokawa Sound." If I had to label it, I'd call it progressive jazz-rock.

This track, "Akasaka Jungle," begins with a guitar riff reminiscent of Jimi Hendrix and evolves into a jazz-funk track infused with electronica elements, thanks to a mix by the genius Sora Ichikawa. The vibrant sound created by this trio of in-demand young musicians-Sora Ichikawa (keyboards, programming), Haruna Makiyama (bass), and Toyoaki Sekine (drums)-is a highlight. Nunokawa's solo in the latter half of the track possesses a jazzy yet rock-like explosive energy. His melodic, groovy, and sensual playing can truly be described as the height of maturity. This is Toshiki Nunokawa's career-defining masterpiece, released as he approaches his 70th birthday.