Makoto Kubota and the Sunset Orchestra / Rhythm Romance (LP)

"Rhythm Romance," a compilation of studio demo recordings from the late 1970s by Makoto Kubota and the Sunset Orchestra, is now available on 12-inch vinyl!

"Rhythm Romance," originally released on a 10-inch vinyl record in 1981, has been newly mastered by Makoto Kubota from the original master open tape.

This is a rare and treasured collection of recordings that offers a glimpse into their roots, including the Southern blues-rock "Boogie Flu" written for Kiyoshiro Imawano, the rock 'n' roll number "Tsukiyo ni Arukeba," the New Orleans Second Line instrumentals "Rhythm Romance" and "Nopperabo," "I'm Gonna Get You Yet," written by New Orleans guitarist Earl King Johnson and featuring Sandy on vocals, and "Yes Tonight," which features impressive Hawaiian-style guitar.

Makoto Kubota: Vocals, Guitar, Keyboard
Takashi Onzo: Vocal, Bass
Kenichi Inoue: Vocals, Guitar
Hiroma Fujita: Vocal, Guitar
Sandy: Vocals, Percussion
Norio Watanabe: Vocals, Drums
Hideo Inoura: Drums
Osamu Tsukeoka: Drums

Mastering: Makoto Kubota

[Makoto Kubota and the Sunset Orchestra]
Formed in 1972 with Kubota Makoto as the central figure.

After his solo album "Machibouke" (1973), he released other masterpieces, including "Sunset Gang" (1974), which was essentially the band's debut album despite being released under his solo name, and "Hawaii Chanpuru" (1975), which was one of the first albums to incorporate Okinawan and Hawaiian music. In 1980, he changed his name to The Sunsets and made his international debut.

They were a one-of-a-kind, one of the most important bands in Japanese rock in the 1970s, absorbing everything from blues and folk to the second-line beat of New Orleans to create a unique, earthy sound.

■Track list:
Side A
1. Boogie Flu
2. Chinatown Blues
3. Walking on a Moonlit Night
4. Rhythm Romance

Side B
1. Rock and Roll Shoes
2. I'm Gonna Get You Yet
3. Nopperabo
4. Jesus Tonight

[LP]
Product code: TBV-0040
Released by Tuff Beats

Release date: Wednesday, February 15, 2023