The Sound of Japanese Blues

"The Sound of Japanese Blues" digs into the raw, soulful corner of the blues scene as interpreted by artists from across Japan. This playlist brings together a wide spectrum of styles, from gritty urban narratives to laid-back grooves, all filtered through Japanese sensibilities. Tracks like "嫌んなった" by 憂歌団 and "カレーライス" by 遠藤賢司 blend humor and melancholy, while live cuts from artists like 浅川マキ and 木村充揮 deliver emotional punch and vintage atmosphere.

Across the lineup, there's strong representation from genre-blending groups like BO GUMBOS and ティ字路s, who tie swampy funk and roots rock into their blues forms. Classic reinterpretations like "朝日樓 (朝日のあたる家)" and guitar-driven instrumentals such as "Delta Song" by 内田勘太郎 keep things varied. Whether it’s the boozy swagger of 松田優作’s “YOKOHAMA HONKY TONK BLUES” or the smooth slide guitar on 濱口祐自’s “Amazing Grace Slide,” this playlist highlights the unique way Japanese musicians have made the blues their own.