Ryo Fukui - Scenery Vinyl LP

Ryo Fukui’s Scenery (1976) is widely regarded as one of the most important Japanese jazz albums ever recorded, revealing the self-taught pianist’s miraculous talent and unique vision. Blending modal, bop, and cool jazz influences, Fukui delivers a personal and dexterous take on timeless standards popularized by artists like Bing Crosby and John Coltrane. From the serene opening of “It Could Happen to You” that blossoms into jubilant rhythms, to the breathtaking solo on “Early Summer,” and the inspired interplay of “Autumn Leaves” with bassist Satoshi Denpo and drummer Yoshinori Fukui, the album radiates precision, confidence, and elegance. Frequently compared to McCoy Tyner and Bill Evans, Fukui stands as a master in his own right, and Scenery remains his magnum opus.

Fukui followed Scenery with the soulful Mellow Dream in 1977 before devoting much of his energy to live performance, often at Sapporo’s Slowboat Jazz Club, which he co-founded with his wife Yasuko Fukui. Over the years, he released two live albums that further cemented his reputation as a singular voice in jazz. Though he passed away in March 2016, his artistry and perfectionism continue to inspire, leaving behind a legacy that ensures his music will captivate listeners for generations to come.