A Japanese rarity from 1984, Benkei is a unique jazz funk session that sees the drummer Akira Toyoda working with a group that features Joe Lovano on sax, Peter Madsen on piano and Dean Johnson on bass. This early document showcases the beginning of Lovano’s career as a fine jazz player as well as being an excellent testimony of the vibrant Japanese jazz scene of the mid-80s that drew many American players to visit the "Land of the Rising Sun".

PERSONNEL:

• Joe Lovano - tenor & soprano sax
• Peter Madsen - piano
• Dean Johnson - bass
• Akira Toyoda - drums

TRACKS:

• SIDE A
• A1. Benkei
• A2. Walk This Way
• A3. Irie

• SIDE B
• B1. Tommy's Den
• B2. Some Other Blues
• B3. Double Duty