n'sawa-saraca
discography
2nd album 2020,2/28
n'sawa-saraca “another town”
ropadope records
yasushi karasawa pf,rhodes,syn
osamu inoue ts
yoshimasa otsuka b
yosuke hase ds
special guest
raphael sebbag mc （United Future Organization）
The second album from a really great group – the brainchild of keyboardist Yasushi Karasawa, who has a way of putting together his sounds that's very unique! There's a freshness here that reminds us of the excitement we first felt when falling in love with Japanese groups back in the 90s – not that Yasushi Karasawa is in the same territory as Nobukazu Takemura or Jazztronik, but his music has this way of refining itself down from its influences – really separating itself with its execution – still jazz, but maybe more sharply defined from the pack! One of the unusual elements in the album is the presence of Raphael Sebbag from UFO – who doesn't really sing, but provides a bit of voice from time to time – and the rhythms also separate the group from the usual jazz combo, as they're spacious and blocky – not trying for a groove at all, but somehow finding a gentle one in the space between the notes. Karsawa's keys are great – nice and warm, and balanced with raspy tenor from Osdamu Inoue – plus bass from Yoshimasa Otsuka and drums from Yosuke Hase – on titles that include "Vt Vt", "Cross Point", "Another Town", "Preachy", "Dual Butterfly", and "Nepenthes". © 1996-2020, Dusty Groove, Inc.
From diskunion
The second album by n'sawa-saraca, the jazz band led by pianist Yasushi Karasawa, has arrived from Ropeadope Records in the US.
This album is a reverse import release. Ropeadope is a prestigious label that releases a wide range of contemporary music, not just jazz. This release from Ropeadope is perfectly suited to n'sawa-saraca.
While it basically follows the style of their previous work, it boasts a broader range of sound. The various musical influences that Karasawa seems to have had are clearly evident in the arrangements.
Among them, the Brazilian music-influenced arrangements stand out. Sophisticated rhythms reminiscent of bossa nova and jazz samba can be felt throughout, resulting in a collection of mellow, lyrical, and pleasant songs.
However, it's not just a mellow and lyrical arrangement; experimental ideas and humor are sprinkled throughout, incorporating vocoders and effects pedals, creating an impression distinct from other existing jazz works. Furthermore, the backing members, led by Osamu Inoue (ts), who has collaborated with Karasawa on various projects and performances, brilliantly embody Karasawa's identity, further enhancing this work. These elements come together in exquisite balance, resulting in a truly "currently evolving jazz work." The moment you finish listening, you'll likely see a "different world," as the album title "another town" suggests.
(Disk Union Kichijoji Jazz Store / Itabashi)
1st album 2014
n'sawa-saraca “forest dance”
karasound label
yasushi karasawa pf,rhodes,syn
osamu inoue ts
yoshimasa otsuka b
hiro omori ds
nello per
special guest
raphael sebbag mc （United Future Organization）
cover art michiharu shimoda (silent ports)
DJ MITSU THE BEATS - SUMMER MADNESS WITH TAKUMI KANEKO / RUNNINGBACK 2 U WITH N’SAWA-SARACA【7"INCH】
INSENSE MUSIC WORKS INC
■SIDE-A is a 2024 cover of Kool & the Gang's classic mellow masterpiece "Summer Madness," a collaboration with CRO-MAGNON's keyboard player TAKUMI KANEKO! While retaining the spacey lead synth, the jazzy, sophisticated beat and delicate, flowing piano melody create a groove reminiscent of a beach at sunset. A truly mellow and chill piece.
■SIDE-B is a 2023 collaborative instrumental with N'SAWA-SARACA, who has also released music on ROPEADOPE in the US. Known for his exceptional skills as a jazz keyboardist, his comfortably floating Rhodes piano beautifully blends with the beat. A must-listen album you'll want to listen to forever by the shore. (From manufacturer information)
A1. SUMMER MADNESS WITH TAKUMI KANEKO
B1. RUNNINGBACK 2 U WITH N’SAWA-SARACA
runningback 2 u
INSENSE MUSIC WORKS INC
DJ Mitsu The Beats makes his debut in the "Sea of Love" series! His new original tune, themed around the "sea," is a surf-chill track featuring jazz keyboardist n'sawa-saraca! It's a digital single cut from "HONEY meets ISLAND CAFE - Sea of Love 8-"!
『SALT... meets ISLAND CAFE -Surf Driving 2-
Collaboration with BILLABONG』
mixed by DJ HASEBE
INSENSE MUSIC WORKS INC
Release Date: April 30, 2025 (Wednesday) ⚪︎
"SALT... meets ISLAND CAFE"
presents its second installment, "Surf Driving 2," featuring DJ HASEBE's superb selection and mix of music that evokes the feeling of the ocean. Enjoy a refreshing and chill beach drive with this superb nonstop mix of Japanese music. ⚪︎ A collaboration with the world-renowned surf brand "BILLABONG" has been realized! This is a triple collaboration between the world of "BILLABONG," the beach lifestyle magazine "SALT...", and DJ HASEBE!
01. 平井大 / Good One
02. SIRUP / umi tsuki feat. iri
03. SPiCYSOL / Honey Flavor
04. Tokimeki Records feat. ひかり / WINDY SUMMER
05. DJ HASEBE / Salt feat. 磯野くん (YONA YONA WEEKENDERS)
06. Lisa Halim, PES / 海へ行こう (DJ HASEBE HONEY EDIT)
07. 田中裕梨 / 真珠のピアス
08. RYUSENKEI / 遠い水平線 feat.児玉奈央
09. YONA YONA WEEKENDERS / 君とdrive
10. GOOD BYE APRIL / Highway Coconuts
11. Shurkn Pap, Ryohu & Mellow In Da Street / RIDE
12. XinU / 鼓動 (Surf & Turf Version)
13. TOSHIKI HAYASHI (%C) / Summer Digest Part.2 feat. CBS
14. OLD NICK aka DJ HASEBE / ガラス越しに消えた夏 feat. Leyona
15. Keishi Tanaka / Joy
16. MALIYA, MUD & Mellow In Da Street / Summer Regrets
17. 大比良瑞希 / ヴィーナス
18. UEBO / 僕のいない海
19. 笠原瑠斗 / 先へ
20. WST / Offshore ~Cafe Latte Song~ -Urban Island Remix -
21. Taishilou / Jealous
22. DJ Mitsu The Beats & n’sawa-saraca / runningback 2 u
HONEY meets ISLAND CAFE Sea of Love 8 -Collaboration with SHONAN by the Sea-
The latest CD in the "Sea of Love" series from "HONEY meets ISLAND CAFE," the number one surf music brand, "Sea of Love," "Sea of Love 8," is now on sale! This CD is a collaboration with "SHONAN by the Sea," a popular FM Yokohama program that introduces the culture, events, and people of Shonan. This album features all-new recordings and includes participation from artists closely associated with the program! The program will be showcasing the tracks from the album throughout the summer.
FM Yokohama "SHONAN by the Sea" (Every Sunday 6:00-9:13)
01. Intro -SHONAN by the Sea-
02. Good Morning Sunshine / Lisa Halim
03. パシフィックドライブイン / Roomies
04. 遠い水平線 feat. 児玉奈央 / 流線形
05. 真珠のピアス / 田中裕梨
06. WINDY SUMMER / Tokimeki Records feat. ひかり
07. 鼓動（Surf & Turf Version）/ XinU
08. 先へ / 笠原瑠斗
09. ブルーメモリー / futures
10. Swallowtail Butterfly 〜あいのうた〜 / Baby Kiy
11. New Day / ChiyoTia
12. Jealous / Taishilou
13. Drippin' Summer feat. Mizuki Ohira / Slowly
14. 夏のクラクション / bird
15. runningback 2 u / DJ Mitsu the Beats, n’sawa-saraca
16. You and me feat. uruwashi / RiE MORRiS
17. Nothing without you / 東田トモヒロ
18. Nostargia / 小沼ようすけ
n'sawa-saraca by yasushi karasawa
"forest dance"(2014),"
another town"(ropeadope 2020)
唐沢寧