Jiro Inagaki and Soul Media: In The Groove (Clear Yellow Vinyl)

稲垣次郎とソウル・メディア『In The Groove』

Polished jazz. Refined rock. Sharpened funk. A strong groove that swallows everything.

Since its formation in 1969, Soul Media has advocated the fusion of jazz and rock. This album, "In the Groove," recorded in 1973, marked the next step in that line. It brings the sharpness of jazz to the forefront, blends in rock to make the edges stand out, and injects funk to give it strength and elasticity. It is a strong, sophisticated, and simply "cool music" that cannot be categorized into existing genres such as jazz rock, jazz funk, and fusion. This album is also described as a response to The Crusaders, who Jiro Inagaki was paying attention to at the time. The aim was a success. With this album, Soul Media gained a "refined black feeling" and moved on to their final destination, "Funky Stuff."

Text by Yusuke Ogawa (UNIVERSOUND/DEEP JAZZ REALITY)

Side A
1. That’s How I Feel
2. Blue Blood
3. It’s Impossible
4. Put It Where You Want It
5. Crazy Medicine

Side B
1. Joie De Vivre
2. Papa Hooper’s Barrel House Groove
3. Thrill Is Gone
4. Raven Speaks
5. Samba Chimba