First

Released in 1970, First marks the debut of saxophonist Kosuke Mine as a leader, signaling the arrival of a major voice in the Japanese jazz scene. Recorded at a pivotal moment when J-Jazz was moving away from mere imitation of American hard-bop toward a more experimental and localized identity, the album bridges the gap between the modal explorations of Miles Davis and the more spiritual, free-leaning tendencies of the era. The tracklist features a mix of original compositions and a notable deconstruction of Thelonious Monk's 'Straight No Chaser,' showcasing Mine's ability to honor tradition while pushing boundaries. The production is quintessentially 1970s analog, emphasizing a warm, mid-range heavy sound that highlights the organic textures of the acoustic instruments. Critically, it is regarded as a foundational text of the 'J-Jazz' movement, predating Mine's later work with the fusion group Native Son and establishing his reputation for a 'noir' sonic palette.