Bloom Japan Vinyl & CDs

Review: Collecting together most of their 7" releases onto this, their first album, 45Trio's keyboardist Swing-O/45, bassist Sunapanng and drummer Masahiko Kubo provide fans with not only their sold-out singles on the same label but new tracks too. So, enjoy their version of Patrice Rushen's 'Remind Me' that pares back the original, sweetening further this already sweet composition by marrying Fender Rhodes with vocoder, or relish Irvine Weldon's 'I Love You', as the sensitive keyboard again takes centre stage. Get lost in Loose Ends' 'A Little Spice' which is fairly true to the original but more synthesised with a jazzy hip hop break and the jerky more downbeat version of Gary Davis' 2006 track 'Gee Dee' reflecting the trio's love of paying homage but creating a different and slower groove. On Bloom Music, a label under the Japanese Flower Records 'Soul Review' soulfully reviews Trio 45s work to date, a must for fans disappointed not to have got in quick enough when tracks were first available on 7" and also for those newly initiated. You're all in for a treat.

Review: Japanese talent DJ Koco aka Shimokita is a hardcore 45rpm devotee. They are his chosen tools as a beat-juggling DJ who can do logic-defying things with his grooves. He is a regal on Bloom and already dropped serious heat in January with 'World Famous'. This time he is back with a fresh take on 'Made In New York' which is a 1985 classic by renowned Brazilian funk and jazz pianist Tania Maria. He brings his signature hip-hop flair and creativity with his trusted crew, 45trio, and enlists the dynamic saxophonist King TJ (DA-Dee-MiX) to elevate things further.