1977
The “Funky” Adventures of Kosuke Kindaichi
Here we have the 1977 album "The Adventures of Kosuke Kindaichi," a disco-funk tribute to Seishi Yokomizo's iconic detective series. It's essentially an instrumental concept album put together by composer Kentaro Haneda and finest musicians of Tokyo’s 1970s session scene.
Not feeling like reading? That's alright! 😎 Enjoy “Kindaichi Kosuke No Theme” – the first track of this “soundtrack without a film!” 🔊
In the initial phase of planning (dreaming) about FUNKretrospect, I had worked on making a huge archive of '70s Funk music… And discovering new albums from this folder—albums I might never have heard otherwise—is always SO exciting! This album is one of them: The Adventures of Kosuke Kindaichi, the 1977 album by “The Mystery Kindaichi Band.” 🕵️
After a few listens to the album's funky grooves, I started searching the history of the band and the album:
The Cultural Icon: Who is Kosuke Kindaichi?
“Kosuke Kindaichi” is a fictional character created by Seishi Yokomizo in the mid-40s. He is a brilliant and a little eccentric detective famous for solving complex murder mysteries with unconventional methods. Yokomizo is incredibly creative, developing Kindaichi mysteries for decades and turning the character into a genuine Japanese cultural icon. This fictional character gets adapted into various TV series, movies, and even anime (with a fictional grandson taking the lead role) and is a cultural icon in Japan.
From Audiobooks to Cover Art: "The Devil's Flute Murders"
Fascinated by this discovery, I found a few of these books on my audiobooks app and randomly decided on “The Devil’s Flute Murders” (with Jim Rion’s translation into English) to read—it turned out to be pure luck, as it is the book that Ichibun Sugimoto illustrated for the album cover! It was an easy read and quite a page turner, in line with the description that Yokomizo's books are “known for their captivating narratives, filled with intricate plots and unforgettable characters.”
Kentaro Haneda and the Tokyo Funk Supergroup
Coming back to the album, soundtrack master Kentaro Haneda (probably a notable fan of the Kindaichi series) is the mastermind here. Haneda, known for his work in anime and film scoring, is a famous composer and arranger in Japan. He’s the one who pulls together the 'dream team' of funk and City Pop musicians of the era and these talented individuals, including jazz pianist Hideo Ichikawa and saxophonist Takeru Muraoka, bring their distinct styles to the table, creating a truly unique soundscape. 🎹 🎷
A Soundtrack Without a Film: The Concept of The Mystery Kindaichi Band
The fascinating aspect of this album is its very nature—it's a concept album, a soundtrack without a film! It is not a score for a movie adaptation of Yokomizo's novels. The music is simply and directly inspired by Yokomizo's novels, and that’s all. It is a surprise, even for the author. 🎁
Yokomizo himself comments on this unusual approach, writing on the back of the LP sleeve:
“When I first heard an album was being made based on my novels, I felt very strange. I could understand if my novels were turned into films and then soundtracks were recorded based on these films. But this time, the music created was directly inspired by my novels. I felt very intrigued, yet very excited.”
"Discofunk" and Murder: the Standout Tracks
The album has ten instrumental tracks that skillfully blend jazz, disco and funk, creating a fusion of genres. The term “discofunk” perfectly sums up the spirit of this unique blend: rich funk with the rhythmic seduction of disco. It has a consistent sound and a cinematic, “soundtrack-like quality” despite the wide variety of influences (I've read about “references to classical composers like Mussorgsky and Chopin” and “traditional Japanese instruments like the koto and shakuhachi, adding layers of complexity and richness” and there is also the horror movie sound effects adding to the eerie atmosphere 🎃)
Finally, a few standout tracks: 'Kindaichi Kosuke No Theme' is the funkiest track on the album and a personal favorite, as it perfectly captures the essence of the album's unique sound. Track number seven, 'Meirosou No Sangeki,' offers a mesmerizing mix of upbeat melodies. 'Inugamike No Ichizoku' closes the album with a powerful composition, leaving a lasting impression. If you’re looking for a record that’s equal parts eerie atmosphere and dancefloor groove, this is the one.
Gülben - 07/2024
📖 Alison Flood writes about Seishi Yokomizo for TheGuardian
📖 SpillMagazine Album Review
📖 BanBanTonTon Album Mention
