Akira Ishikawa & Count Buffalos* = 石川晶とカウント・バッファローズ* – African Rock

This version of "African Rock" contains, concise, pop oriented (cover) songs, with strong and soulful--yet sometimes unintelligible--vocals by Ishikawa himself, on all tracks. But the highlight is a very tight rhythm section, with Colgen Suzuki dominating the background using his signature erudite key flourashes on most tracks, and, of course, the distinctive percussion work is both excellent and puissant. However, flashy musicianship is not the showcase here, as much as rhythm, meter, and song structure. Not psychedelic or progressive, but a good album and nice diversion from the often intense J-jazz scene. 4/5 stars!