Japanese bassist, cellist, composer, arranger, and bandleader Isao Suzuki was something like the godfather of Japanese jazz. He first learned to play bass on U.S. military bases.

Between 1969 and 1971, he lived in New York City, performing with Ron Carter, Ella Fitzgerald, Charles Mingus, Thelonious Monk, and Art Blakey, among others. 

After returning to Japan, he led his own ensembles and also worked with greats like Kenny Burrell and Mal Waldron.

A highlight of his discography is the 1976 album Ako’s Dream. Here Suzuki picks up the cello and delivers a fantastic jazz-funk record, full of energy and joy in playing. 

The standout is his version of Gene McDaniels’ Feel Like Makin’ Love: after 7 minutes and 50 seconds it seems to end – but luckily there’s still a 30-second reprise.

Japanese good-feel jazz-funk at its best!