Ryo Kawasaki – Juice

A dazzling cosmic jazz-funk fusion classic from a true pioneer of the genre.

Originally released in 1976 and recorded in New York City, Juice captures Japanese guitarist Ryo Kawasaki at the height of his powers. A key figure in the evolution of jazz fusion, Kawasaki’s technical precision and psychedelic flair are on full display across six expansive tracks that blend spiritual funk, early disco, and exploratory synth textures.

Kawasaki - who played with jazz legends like Elvin Jones, Chico Hamilton, and Bobbi Humphrey - was far more than a session player. He was a boundary-pusher: one of the first to experiment with guitar synthesizers and computer music composition. Juice is a testament to his forward-thinking approach, filled with bubbling basslines, shimmering synths, and grooves that straddle both smoky jazz clubs and future-thinking dancefloors.

The album opener “Raisins” channels Headhunters-era Herbie with its tight drum break and funk-forward bounce, while the beatdown jazz-funk of “Bamboo Child” became crate-digger gold, sampled by the likes of Diamond D, and Kool G Rap. From start to finish, Juice is a lush, dynamic listen, an essential slab of electric jazz fusion that still feels fresh nearly five decades on.

Note: All orders ship from France. VAT not charged (TVA non applicable, article 293 B du CGI). Worldwide shipping available. Images shown are mock-ups — actual vinyl may differ slightly.