Soul Media
Funky Stuff
Written-By – Hiromasa Suzuki 6:46
2 Funky Motion
Written-By – Hiromasa Suzuki 5:33
3 Breeze
Written-By – Hiromasa Suzuki 4:30
4 Scratch
Written-By – Wayne Henderson 5:20
5 Funky Stuff
Written-By – Kool & The Gang 4:28
6 One For Jiroh
Written-By – Hiromasa Suzuki 4:45
7 Gentle Wave
Written-By – Hiromasa Suzuki 5:15
8 Four Up
Written-By – Hiromasa Suzuki 6:33
Label: Columbia – KZ-7502
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: Japan
Released: 1975
Genre: Jazz
Style: Jazz-Funk, Soul-Jazz
Jiro Inagaki & Soul Media's 1975 album, Funky Stuff, is a highly-regarded Japanese jazz-funk masterpiece, praised for its tight grooves, excellent musicianship, fusion of American black music with jazz-rock, and cool 70s aesthetic, featuring standout tracks like the Kool & The Gang cover and originals like "Painted Paradise," though some find certain solos overly long, it's considered an essential, polished gem of the genre.
Deeply rooted in American funk and soul, aiming for "black funk", many call it a "definitive masterpiece," a "must-have," and a "hidden gem" of Japanese jazz-funk.
Standout Tracks: "Painted Paradise" (dynamic), "Breeze" (mellow funk), and their sharp take on Kool & The Gang's "Funky Stuff" are frequently mentioned.
A few user reviews note that the track lengths, particularly the extended solos in songs like "Painted Paradise" and "Funky Motion", can feel "tiring" or a bit excessive, potentially leading to a feeling of wasted potential despite good performances. Another review found the album good "for what it is and nothing more," describing it as background music for an office hallway.
Overall, the album is highly recommended for fans of jazz-funk, fusion, and groovy music from the 1970s. Its reputation has grown globally over time, leading to high demand and numerous reissues. It's an album that successfully blends Japanese perfectionism with raw American funk, creating an infectious, high-quality groove that is both exhilarating and smooth.