From collaborations with Frank Ocean and Solange to winning a Grammy for his work on Steve Lacy’s album, producing Eddie Chacón’s album, and making his debut appearance at Fuji Rock this year—there’s no end to the buzz surrounding John Carroll Kirby, the leading keyboardist and producer of Stones Throw. He visited Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica, to film an episode of the web travelogue series "Kirby's Gold" with the Kawe Calypso Band. Inspired by the birdsong, jam sessions with local calypso legends, and magnificent sunsets. This album, his most tropical to date, opens with “Oropendola”—named after the oropendola bird that reportedly woke him up every morning at 5 a.m. during his stay—followed by B2 "Vertigo" (sample_1), and C2 "Gecko Sound" (sample_3), where the sound of water and syncopated synths invite you into a meditative state—these 12 dreamlike tracks make for a truly heartwarming and wonderful album. Be sure to check out the teaser video featuring Kiko Mizuhara playing the ARP Odyssey. (Original Japanese text by AYAM)