Sunset Gang

Description

1973 ALBUM REISSUE CO-PRODUCED BY KINJI YOSHINO. A RECORD SATURATED WITH AMERICAN ROOTS INFLUENCES AVAILABLE FOR THE FIRST TIME OUTSIDE OF JAPAN. Wewantsounds continues its program of reissuing Makoto Kubota's records with the release of 'Sunset Gang', recorded in 1973 for the Japanese label Showboat. The album, co-produced by Kinji Yoshino (Haruomi Hosono, Akiko Yano, Sachiko Kanenobu) with notable guests such as Haruomi Hosono, Minako Yoshida, and Taeko Ohnuki, was released just after his first solo album, the cult classic Machibouke. It marks the beginning of the band's unique sound, blending Japanese music with American roots influences, a sound that would profoundly impact the Japanese music scene of the 70s. Makoto Kubota's stay in America at the dawn of the 70s on the East and West coasts had broadened his musical horizons. After a few years playing with Les Rallizes Dénudés, he went there in search of new sensations and to immerse himself in the music and cultural revolution unfolding before his eyes. Upon his return to Japan and after recording Machibouke for the Express label, he entered the studio to record a second album with fellow musicians to recreate the sound he had witnessed during his American adventure. The result is nine tracks steeped in R&B, soul, blues, and tropical influences. From the blues of "Kawa wo Kudatte" to the southern groove of "Louisiana Mama" to the Grateful Dead-esque "Bang Bang Bang Yukake Blues," the album is a superb blend of laid-back music and a tribute to American roots music. The album marks the beginning of a musical odyssey that Kubota and the Sunset Gang would develop in subsequent albums. Remastered by Makoto Kubota himself, 'Sunset Gang' is undoubtedly one of the masterpieces of this 70s Japanese musical movement that Wewantsounds is pleased to release for the first time outside of Japan with original artwork, OBI strip, and a 4-page booklet.