Pianica Maeda & Good Baites [ Just You Just Me ] 7" single [EMC-005]

Respectful replicas, reverent reproductions of two classic 7-inch vinyl releases from 1989 and 1990, originally issued by the Tokyo label Nutmeg, now available on EM Record’s subsidiary EM Custom. Nutmeg was an independent label which represented the flourishing Tokyo underground club music/reggae/early hip hop crossover scene, the physical locus of which was the Chocolate City club, where many of the label's artists performed, including scene stalwarts Chieko Beauty, Tokyo No. 1 Soul Set, Emerson Kitamura and Shibusashirazu, as well as Roland Alphonso and others. With the original songs and carefully replicated covers, these 7-inch records are a joy to hold and hear.

"Just You Just Me" by Pianica Maeda is a replica of the inaugural release from the Nutmeg label, with the original's music and cover transported intact from 1989 Tokyo. Recorded live-to-tape in a small bar in Shimokitazawa, this release features two loosely swinging, loving covers of the classic songs "Just You Just Me" and "South of the Border". The melodic and wistful melodica of Pianica Maeda, who appeared on the Tomatos 7-inch (EMC-004), is accompanied here by a group billed as Good Baites, which was organized by Kiyoshi Matsutakeya, the leader of Tomatos. Also present, supplying some fine upright bass work, is the renowned Takayoshi Matsunaga. A lovely, pleasing record.

+ English liner notes
+ Cardboard sleeve in shrink
+ Quality pressing

TRACKS:

Side A
Just You Just Me

Side B
South of the Border