KYOTO JAZZ SEXTET - Saranarujiyuue KYOTO JAZZ SEXTET

KYOTO JAZZ SEXTET is a modern Japanese spiritual jazz and modal jazz ensemble launched in 2015 by Syuya Okino of the renowned DJ and music production unit KYOTO JAZZ MASSIVE.

One of the standout tracks from the group's second album Unity, originally released in 2017, "Extra Freedom" now makes its long-awaited debut on 7-inch vinyl as a Vinyl Only Edit by DJ KOCO a.k.a. Shimokita.

Side A: Extra Freedom - DJ KOCO Edit
A signature track from the album and the biggest hit in KYOTO JAZZ SEXTET's catalog, "Extra Freedom" beautifully blends spiritual atmospheres with mellow grooves. For this special edit, DJ KOCO boldly loops a memorable section of the saxophone solo, preserving the essence of the original while enhancing its groove and mixability for the dance floor. The repeated sax phrases generate an irresistible sense of uplift, perfectly complemented by the track's deep spiritual mood. The result is a heartfelt DJ KOCO reinterpretation that even evokes Syuya Okino's admiration for the legendary Pharoah Sanders.

Side B: You've Got to Have Freedom - DJ KAWASAKI Rework
Originally released on 12-inch vinyl in 2018, KYOTO JAZZ SEXTET's acclaimed interpretation of Pharoah Sanders' classic "You've Got to Have Freedom" featured vocalist Navasha Daya and saxophonist Tomoki Sanders, son of Pharoah Sanders himself. Based on that version, a long-held idea from Syuya Okino to create a new interpretation with a completely different drum pattern has finally been realized. New drum performances were provided by Soki Kimura (formerly of Osaka Monaurail), while DJ KAWASAKI handled the rework. Reconstructed around a fresh rhythmic foundation distinct from the original, this exclusive version was created specifically for this 7-inch release.

The artwork was designed by Yusuke Yoshinaga (Solla Inc.), who has worked extensively with KYOTO JAZZ MASSIVE and numerous other artists. The Japanese subtitle of this 7-inch Vinyl Only Edition, ""Saranaru Jiyu e"" (""Toward Greater Freedom""), was hand-calligraphed by Syuya Okino himself.

Reimagining two spiritual jazz masterpieces created by KYOTO JAZZ SEXTET from the distinct perspectives of DJ KOCO and DJ KAWASAKI, this limited 7-inch Vinyl Only release features exclusive edits and reworks available nowhere else. Both sides offer unique versions created specifically for this release, making it an essential collector's item for DJs and jazz enthusiasts alike.