Jiro Inagaki & His Soul Media 稲垣次郎和Soul Media - In The Groove (180g Heavyweight Pressing Uncolored Virgin Vinyl LP) Pre-order August 2026

★ Polished jazz.

★ Forged rock.

★ Sharpened funk.

All of it is absorbed, and a powerful, unyielding groove begins to run.

Formed in 1969, Soul Media set out with a clear mission to fuse jazz and rock. That approach took a decisive next step with In The Groove, recorded in 1973. Here, the sharpness of jazz is brought to the forefront, rock elements are dissolved and refined to give a cutting edge, and funk is injected to add drive, elasticity, and physical force. The result is a body of music that transcends existing genre labels—jazz-rock, jazz-funk, or fusion—and stands instead as something simply, undeniably cool: strong yet sophisticated.

This album is often described as Soul Media’s response to The Crusaders, a band that saxophonist Jiro Inagaki was paying close attention to at the time. The aim hit its mark. With In The Groove, Soul Media acquired a “refined black feeling”, setting them firmly on the path toward their ultimate destination: Funky Stuff.

Text by Yusuke Ogawa (UNIVERSOUND / DEEP JAZZ REALITY)

“Made in Japan” quality that has captured global attention.

This release uses luxurious uncolored virgin vinyl, completely free of coloring agents such as carbon that could affect sound quality. Manufactured using only high-purity PVC and pressed to a heavyweight 180g, it delivers superior rotational stability and a rich, expansive soundstage. A Pure Vinyl / 180g heavyweight pressing designed to let you fully experience its razor-sharp sonic image.