Ryo Fukui: A Letter from Slowboat (Pure Vinyl Disc/180g Heavyweight Vinyl)

2026 release. The record is made with luxuriously uncolored virgin vinyl, completely free of coloring agents such as carbon, which can affect sound quality. Made entirely from high-purity straight vinyl chloride, the record weight has been increased to 180g, achieving stable rotation and a rich sound field. The 180g heavyweight/pure vinyl specification allows you to enjoy a refined sound image.

"Today is better than yesterday, and tomorrow better than today, so that I may improve even a little." With this thought in mind, Ryo Fukui devoted himself to the piano for 40 years. His touch is stronger, his emotion deeper, and his fragrance richer. Even without the weight of being a posthumous work, this is a pure masterpiece.

Ryo Fukui, the renowned Hokkaido pianist who sadly passed away in 2016, earned high praise for his two early works, "Scenery" and "Mellow Dream," and his name is now known to jazz listeners worldwide. This album, "A Letter From Slowboat," was released in 2015 as his first album as a leader in 16 years. It was recorded at his home venue, Slowboat, with two promising young musicians whose talents Fukui himself recognizes. The lyricism permeates "Sonora," the poetic sentiment enveloping "Stella By Starlight," and the dynamism overflowing in "Speak Low" are all present. The touch is stronger, the emotion deeper, and the scent richer.

Text by Yusuke Ogawa (UNIVERSOUNDS / DEEP JAZZ REALITY)