Evolution

Evolution by Shintaro Quintet is a landmark 1984 modal jazz recording from BBE Music's J Jazz Master Class Series. Led by bassist Shintaro Nakamura, this New York session blends spiritual jazz with gently swinging minor blues waltzes across five original compositions. Featuring Japanese trumpet legend Shunzo Ohno and a mixed Japanese-American ensemble—including pianist Jeff Jenkins, saxophonist Bob Kenmotsu, and drummer Fukushi Tainaka—the album showcases lush arrangements and strong melodic themes that invite deep exploration. Originally released on Streetnoise Records, 'Evolution' exemplifies the sophisticated, introspective sound that defined Japan's modern jazz movement.