Seven Japanese Tales is the debut album released by bassist and composer Joe Downard. The album was written as a suite comprised of 7 pieces inspired by seven short stories by writer Junichiro Tanizaki (1886-1965) featured in Seven Japanese Tales. The music features a range of moods and dynamics supported by soundscapes, analogue electronics and acoustic sextet. These elements are then complimented through strong melody and improvisation. Downard became inspired by the very lyrical, deep and sensual meanings behind these seven stories which, although being short, packed a punch of emotions: anger, love, humour and wit.