Carmen Maki Blues Creation

Originally released in 1971, this self-titled collaboration between singer Carmen Maki and the band Blues Creation stands as a cornerstone of the Japanese psychedelic and hard rock movement. The album emerged from a period of intense experimentation in Tokyo's underground scene, blending Maki's soulful, powerful vocals with the raw, heavy blues-rock instrumentation characteristic of Blues Creation. It remains highly regarded for its unique fusion of Western-influenced blues structures and the distinct, emotive vocal style that defined Maki’s early career.

The 2018 release on the Absinthe Records label (ARLP 515) serves as a modern archival pressing intended to preserve the sonic integrity of the original recording for a new generation of listeners. By reviving the album on high-quality vinyl, the label honors the legacy of the original 1971 production, which was initially recorded as a testament to the collaborative chemistry between one of Japan’s most iconic rock vocalists and a pivotal heavy psych ensemble. The design and presentation maintain the aesthetic spirit of the original era, emphasizing its importance as a foundational document of Japanese rock history.