Description
Expected Release Date 24th June 2026
All pre-orders will be dispatched/made ready for collection once stock is in hand however delays are possible.
If you want to keep up to date with the latest Japanese imports, follow this link to sign up to our bespoke Japanese import mailing list!
Please note this is the Japanese release date and orders are likely to ship a couple of weeks after that to allow time for it to get here to the shop.
https://mailchi.mp/cf9ea92722c9/japanese-import-updates
Side A
1. Sonora
2. Stella by Starlight
3. Speak Low
4. Nobody Knows the Trouble I've Seen
Side B
1. Old Country
2. Soultrane
3. Chasin' the Bird
4. Be My Love
“Today, I want to play better than yesterday. Tomorrow, better than today”.
With this belief in his heart, Ryo Fukui devoted himself to the piano for forty years.
His touch became more powerful, his emotions deeper, his tone more richly fragrant. Even setting aside the fact that this is his final work, the album stands as a pure and undeniable masterpiece. Ryo Fukui, the renowned pianist from Hokkaido who sadly passed away in 2016, has earned global recognition among jazz listeners through his highly praised early works Scenery and Mellow Dream. A Letter From Slowboat, recorded in 2015, marked his first leader album in sixteen years. The sessions took place at Slowboat his musical
home together with two young musicians whose talent Fukui himself deeply trusted. The lyricism that seeps through “Sonora”, the poetic warmth enveloping “Stella By Starlight,” the vibrant energy coursing through “Speak Low” each performance is filled with life. His touch grew more forceful, his emotions more profound, his musical fragrance even more luxuriant.
Text by Yusuke Ogawa (UNIVERSOUNDS / DEEP JAZZ REALITY)
※The world is paying close attention to the unparalleled quality of “Made in Japan”.
This release features premium uncolored virgin vinyl, completely free of carbon or any other pigments that could
affect sound quality.
Using only high-purity straight PVC and increasing the record weight to 180 grams ensures superior rotational
stability and a richly expansive soundstage.
Experience its precisely crafted sonic imaging with this 180g heavyweight / pure vinyl edition.
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Thank you for looking at our listing, below are a few points to consider before making a purchase:
- All records we sell are Brand New - pre-orders will normally come sealed but if you are purchasing in stock items, please note the copy may have been unsealed for display in the shop. Please email straight after purchase to enquire if this is of importance to you.
- Orders won't ship until all items are released, so keep this in mind when purchasing multiple pre-orders or a mix of in stock and pre-order items.
- The 'Product' page will show the most up to date info we have with regards to the item and its release date, but this information is subject to change so check in with us if you have any questions.
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