Sadao Watanabe - California Shower

I've been off with some rotten infection but felt well enough this morning to pop a record on. I'm still making my way through my list of trying to listen to every record I own. I started it in mid 2024. I'm around halfway through now. I've rediscovered and or re appreciated some albums with a different listening perspective. I've also culled (a controversial task amongst vinyl lovers).

I see this album from the prolific Japanese sax player being described as "light breezy, jazz fusion". Although released in 1978, he was ahead of the game with his 80s sounding fusion which is now hip with the kids at the moment. It's generally a bit too smooth for my liking with a few dull moments but there are some decent tracks like Duo-Creatics and Seventh High.

Despite this not being my jam or banger from start to finish I have a soft spot for this record. I think because of the cover. On the front you have Watanabe drenched with an expression of with frustration from being rained on. It's a fantastic photograph for an album. But then on the back, surprise, he is all smiles.

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