Spiral Steps (1976)
I'd heard a couple of 70s Jun Fukamachi albums back in my CDRWL research days, both rating out well, though I never purchased anything. Until now. Spiral Steps is a new title for me, and the reviews sounded promising, so I grabbed a new CD online. Let's see how it goes.
The first two tracks are, to be nice, not really what I'm looking for. Both are funky fusion of the ear friendly variety, a sound that was all too common in the mid 1970s. While expertly played, it lacks the innovation or melodic immersion I'm seeking in that genre. Starting with the title track, Fukamachi moves towards jazz fusion, with complex horn charts, and rip roaring solos. The rhythm section is insane. This leads to the three part 'Scoto Phonobine', which takes the title track as a blue print and runs with it. Type 1 is in the same jazz fusion style, Type II is atmospheric electronic (a welcome diversion), whereas Type III goes about destroying the studio with a fiery ending. Always the best way to end an album leaving one more satisfied than they probably should be. The album is inconsistent, and at times sounds more imitative than creative.
Another way to listen to Spiral Steps is to take in the wide array of keyboard timbres. Fukamachi possesses a smorgasbord of the latest keyboard technology 1976 had to offer. Which, in todays world, would be the preferred sounds over 2026's latest and greatest. Fender Rhodes, Hohner Clavinet, Hammond Organ M-6, ARP Odyssey, Minimoog, Solina Strings Ensemble, and Oberheim Digital Sequencer all get featured, some dramatically.
Not sure where I stand on this title, but I heard enough for this CD to earn shelf space. I'm sure, at some point, other Jun Fukamachi albums will find their way here, so I'll create a page.
Ownership: 2018 Universal Japan (CD). Booklet with liner notes in Japanese. Acquired in 2026.
2/23/26 (review)
2/23/26 (new entry)
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