VA - Club Jazz Digs Lupin The Third (2014) Hi-Res

The soundtrack music for Lupin The Third is almost as popular as the manga character himself, and over the years there have been dozens upon dozens of albums released featuring music from the films and TV series, with Yuji Ohno & The Lupintic Five appearing regularly on the jazz circuit. In addition, covering the main theme tune or another well-known Lupin tune has become almost a rite of passage for many an established artist in Japan, much like the James Bond theme tune has been interpreted by a whole host of artists worldwide.
For this album, DJ and producer Tatsuo Sunaga has assembled a selection of artists from different parts of the globe to offer their own interpretations of tunes from the Lupin music catalogue. Soil & "Pimp" Sessions get things under way with their own inimitable style, offering an aggressive and energy-filled version of the main theme tune, one of four versions featured here. From Italy, the Fabrizio Bosso - Max Ionata give us some sixties-influenced Hammond grooves (in the vein of the sound that BlackQP'67 aim for) with Toward The Patrol Line, and the popular Japanese outfit Ego-Wrappin' work with The Gossip of Jaxx for a version of the Love Theme.

Elsewhere The Five Corners Quintet deliver a suitably swinging version of the Theme From Lupin The Third, whilst the Christian Prommer's Drumlesson interpretation is a more laidback understated piano trio outing. The fourth and final version by Tatsuo Sunaga is a nice piece of uptempo Latin jazz. There are also appearances from Rosalia de Souza and Schema label mate Gerardo Frisina on two different tracks and the irritatingly catchy Superhero by Katteni-Shiyagare, the sole tune here that really strays from the jazz idiom. The closing track, Fire Treasure by TRI4TH, is nicely done, rounding of the set in a more subdued atmospheric mood after the party sounds of the main theme.

The artists here play the music of Lupin The Third in their own trademark styles, meaning there are no real suprises on offer, but this combined with the familiarity of the main theme tune makes it a fun and accessible album that will no doubt do well.