FORMATION

Shungo Sawada, a true pioneer of Japan’s modern jazz scene, delivers something special with his album "Formation." Despite being a legendary guitarist since the 1940s, Sawada has surprisingly few albums under his own name, making this one a standout. "Formation" kicks off with a unique take on Wayne Shorter’s "Footprints"—dignified, refined, yet with a cool simplicity that gives it real character. The album moves through the high-energy title track, "Formation," the jazz-rock vibes of "Unlucky Guy," and wraps up with another Shorter piece, "Chief Crazy Horse." It's a diverse yet cohesive collection, offering a polished snapshot of Japan’s "new mainstream" jazz.