Where the heat of Latin music, the spontaneity of jazz, and the drive of rock collide. A truly unique jazz-rock album that embraces a rich spectrum of musical influences.

Rooted in the indigenous rhythms of Latin America, from Cuba, Mexico, Brazil, and Puerto Rico, these grooves are boldly reimagined by Akira Ishikawa & Count Buffalos alongside Naoya Matsuoka, a pioneering force in Latin fusion. Throughout the album, a distinctly Japanese musical sensibility shines through, freely crossing over and transforming Latin beats with remarkable creativity.

The opening track, “Taboo”, makes an immediate impact with its deep, low-slung bass line and overdriven guitar. On “O Barquinho”, Hammond organ and tenor saxophone intertwine in a vibrant dialogue, while “Watermelon Man” generates a singular groove through fuzz- and wah-infused guitar work. Meanwhile, “Historia de un Amor” is anchored by a lyrical piano melody and the steady pulse of cowbell-driven rhythms. Through Matsuoka’s diverse and imaginative arrangements, Latin beats continuously shift and evolve, revealing new colors and textures like a musical kaleidoscope.

Text by Kenjiro Tsutsumi (223 Music Lab.)

Artist：AKIRA ISHIKAWA & COUNT BUFFALO LATIN BEATS
Title：Dynamic Latin Exotic Sound[Clear Yellow Vinyl]
Format：LP
CAT#：PROT-7457
Barcode：4988031929216
Price：$50
Label：UNIVERSAL MUSIC
Japan Release Date：February 24th, 2027

The Count Buffalos, led by Akira Ishikawa, and Naoya Matsuoka, a pioneer of Latin fusion, boldly rework indigenous rhythms rooted in Latin America, including those of Cuba, Mexico, Brazil, and Puerto Rico. Throughout the album, the distinctive sensibilities of Japanese musicians shine through in the free-flowing crossover of Latin beats.
Matsuoka’s versatile arrangements continually transform these rhythms, revealing a kaleidoscope of musical expressions. Highlights include “Taboo,” which opens the album with a deep, weighty bassline and overdriven guitar; “O Barquiho,” where Hammond organ and tenor saxophone intertwine; “Watermelon Man,” whose fuzz- and wah-inflected guitar creates a distinctive groove; and “Historia De Un Amor,” built around a piano carrying the main melody and a beat marked by cowbell.

Text by Kenshiro Tsutsumi (223 Music Lab.)

Tracklist:
Side A
01. Taboo
02. Guantanamera
03. Quien Sera
04. O Barquiho
05. El Cumbanchero
06. Bahia

Side B
01. Watermelon Man
02. Frenesi
03. Historia De Un Amor
04. Babalu
05. Angelitos Negros
06. Nightingale