Cat

1) Overview
Cat is Hiroshi Suzuki’s 1976 studio album, a Japanese-American trombonist’s jazz-fusion date that has since become a cult favorite among deep jazz diggers. Recorded during a return to Japan in October 1975, its five tracks blend funk-lueled fusion with soulful melodies, and the record has enjoyed renewed attention through later reissues and cross-genre appreciations. Suzuki’s aim and the album’s enduring appeal are underscored by its later inclusion in WaJazz collections and praise from contemporary critics. ([music.apple.com](https://music.apple.com/eg/album/cat/1464111606?utm_source=openai))

2) Recording History
- Recording studio and location: Nippon Columbia Studio (Columbia 1st Studio), Akasaka, Minato, Tokyo. ([musicbrainz.org](https://musicbrainz.org/release/921691a3-0178-45c1-a9bd-a8ffed2524bc))
- Producers/engineers: Engineering was by Norio Okada on the October 8–10, 1975 sessions; no single producer is publicly credited for the original sessions in the available credits. ([musicbrainz.org](https://musicbrainz.org/release/921691a3-0178-45c1-a9bd-a8ffed2524bc))
- Recording dates: October 8–10, 1975. ([musicbrainz.org](https://musicbrainz.org/release/921691a3-0178-45c1-a9bd-a8ffed2524bc))
- Notable personnel and instrumentation: Hiroshi Suzuki (trombone); Takeru Muraoka (sax); Hiromasa Suzuki (electric piano/keyboard); Kunimitsu Inaba (double bass); Akira Ishikawa (drums). Suzuki co-composed the material. Five tracks were laid down across those sessions: Shrimp Dance, Kuro to Shiro, Walk Tall, Cat, Romance. ([musicbrainz.org](https://musicbrainz.org/release/921691a3-0178-45c1-a9bd-a8ffed2524bc))

3) Chart Performance & Recognition
- Chart performance: The album did not achieve notable commercial success upon release and is described as flopping in Japan. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hiroshi_Suzuki_%28trombonist%29))
- Release history and reception: The original Nippon Columbia release is cited as SP-7006 with a February 1976 date; the record later earned renewed attention and reissues, including a 2010s–2020s revival by WRWTFWW/We Release Jazz. ([shop.darksiderecords.com](https://shop.darksiderecords.com/products/hiroshi-suzuki-cat?utm_source=openai))
- Notable recognition: In the 21st century Cat has been celebrated by critics and collectors, with Vinyl Factory highlighting the album among notable reissues of 2021. ([archive.thevinylfactory.com](https://archive.thevinylfactory.com/features/best-reissue-albums-of-2021/?utm_source=openai))
- Notable track and reach: The track Romance from Cat has become Suzuki’s best-known piece, widely streamed and discussed; it is featured in WaJazz compilations and has drawn millions of plays on YouTube. ([wajazz.bandcamp.com](https://wajazz.bandcamp.com/track/hiroshi-suzuki-romance?utm_source=openai))

4) Cultural Impact & Legacy
- Influence and legacy: Cat is regarded as a standout example of Japanese jazz fusion from the 1970s and has inspired modern reissues and continued discussion among jazz connoisseurs. ([archive.thevinylfactory.com](https://archive.thevinylfactory.com/features/best-reissue-albums-of-2021/?utm_source=openai))
- Covers/samples: Romance is among Suzuki’s best-known works and has been sampled and covered in later editions; it has also been highlighted in Japanese jazz retrospectives. ([whosampled.com](https://www.whosampled.com/sample/825787/Jazz-One-95-Jazz-Hiroshi-Suzuki-Romance/?utm_source=openai))
- Today’s view: The album’s esteem has grown since its initial release, aided by reissues on Half-Speed Master and obi-ed Japanese pressings, and by its inclusion in curated Nippon Columbia “WaJazz” programs. ([theanalogvault.com](https://theanalogvault.com/products/hiroshi-suzuki-cat?utm_source=openai))
- Trivia: The full original lineup reunites former Freedom Unity members, underscoring Cat’s place in the broader arc of 1970s Japanese jazz. ([shop.darksiderecords.com](https://shop.darksiderecords.com/products/hiroshi-suzuki-cat?utm_source=openai))