Saxophonist and clarinetist Toshiyuki Miyama formed his own ensemble called Jive Aces in 1950 and later renamed it The New Herd in 1958. From the end of the 1960's, The New Herd opened up new horizons in big band jazz by introducing innovative techniques and radical sounds. The music recorded around 1970 is important in The New Herd’s history, and one of their most representative works is the album Nio & Pigeon, released by Nippon Columbia in 1972. This album is a masterpiece that seamlessly weaves a distinctly Japanese feeling with elaborate arrangements based on motifs of local customs, traditions, and scenes. An essential opus for all WaJazz fans!

Tracklist:
A1 - Hide And Seek
A2 - A Sun Shower Parade
A3 - Grief For Enka
A4 - Nio And Pigeon
A5 - When A Swan Goes To Sleep

B1 - Streams Of The Sumida River
B2 - Dedications To The Humble Prayer
B3 - Adult's Day