Makoto Ozone - After (1986)

Japanese Import

At this point in his career, Ozone was considered a "young traditionalist" in the jazz world. And this release certainly supports that definition of the jazz pianist - he was only 25 at the time of this release and his music fit in with the revivalist Young Lions movement of the 80s. At this point in his career, Ozone was working closely with vibraphonist Gary Burton, who doesn't appear on this release but produces it. Ozone's writing hasn't fully developed at this point, but it's pretty darn good and the pros here (including Eddie Gomez on bass) make it shine.

Reviews/ratings:

• CashBox: "a tougher, grittier effort than his first"
• Downbeat (★★★★): "Like the late Bill Evans, Ozone promises to be that rarest of all jazz creatures: the intellectual who wears his heart on his sleeve. I can't wait to hear his next album."
• The Virgin Encyclopedia of Jazz (1999): ★★★

Album chart peaks:

• US Billboard Top 200: Did not chart
• Billboard Jazz: #33
• Radio & Records National Airplay: #3

Tracks: While there's not a stinker in bunch, the real prize is the title track. Also good are the swinging Kato's Revenge and the final track, Improvisation.

Personal Memory Associated with this CD: I was recently looking at the Billboard magazine 1986 jazz album chart of July 5, 1986 where this album sat in the #33 spot. Having never heard of it, I pulled up the title track on YouTube. After one listen, I ordered the CD. Glad I did. I missed this one 30+ years ago which is a shame because I woulda listened to the crap out of this thing in 1986.