This performance of Tropic Birds is from the the gig at Yokohama Baseball Stadium in 1981 where Takanaka shared the bill with Santana - the whole concert is available on RUclips and is superb! The quality of sound you mention, and pictures too, may be accounted for by the fact that this was a concert sponsored by Pioneer and must surely have been broadcast on Japanese TV on account of the multitude of ads for their latest Hi-Fi systems that are included in the YT posting. FYI, Takanaka and Carlos performed together in the Finale backed by their combined bands with Brilliant versions of Europa and Ready to fly. Takanaka has made dozens of albums over the years , all worth listening to although I would particularly recommend his earlier work. However, I would urge you to check out some of the myriad live performances on offer on YT. Live music is always the best in my opinion and Takanaka proves my point with his live playing continually outstripping the excellent studio versions of his work. I've been a Santana fan since 1969 (Woodstock), even interviewed him for the BBC and while working for them I was given a copy of the LP "Takanaka" (his second )in 1977 in the hope that I might play something from it on my radio show. In fact I played several tracks over succeeding nights and must therefore be one of possibly only a handful of DJs outside of Japan to give the man air time!! Takanaka does not release albums outside of Japan and rarely, if ever performs anywhere else. As a result, the entire world knows the name of Carlos Santana but outside the Land of the Rising Sun few are aware of the man I consider "Japan's Best Kept Secret". I thoroughly enjoyed this reaction which is helping to spread the word, I look forward to more of the same. Your new subscriber in the UK.
This is from a show in 1980 or 1981 that he played with Carlos Santana in Japan. Yes that is the same lady from the rainbow goblin concert. I do not understand why Takanaka is not a bigger deal in the US/Europe. He is absolutely a top tier guitarist and songwriter. Although labeled a jazz fusion guitarist, his work is far more accessible than that label suggests. And his overall vibe is unparalleled. Listening to him is like an auditory anti-depressant.
I’d highly recommend the album version of this song as well. It’s a bit more smooth jazz and refined sounding as compared to the rawness of this version. They’re both superb obviously
I came here after I saw band-maid video in your channel. I noticed that you watched Takanaka and Casioper. They are all very famous in the Japanese jazz/fusion world at that era. In fact, there was another guitarist who also very famous. His name is Kazumi Watanabe (渡辺香津美). At the age of 17, he made his debut in the jazz world and quickly became an extraordinary guitar prodigy. He is 70 years old this year. You might as well watch the video if you're interested: "Kazumi Watanabe, Marcus Miller - Tokyo Jazz 2010 - Unicorn" or "Kazumi Watanabe, Jeff Berlin, Bill Bruford - City (The Spice Of Life 1987) [Remastered]"
This performance of Tropic Birds is from the the gig at Yokohama Baseball Stadium in 1981 where Takanaka shared the bill with Santana - the whole concert is available on RUclips and is superb! The quality of sound you mention, and pictures too, may be accounted for by the fact that this was a concert sponsored by Pioneer and must surely have been broadcast on Japanese TV on account of the multitude of ads for their latest Hi-Fi systems that are included in the YT posting. FYI, Takanaka and Carlos performed together in the Finale backed by their combined bands with Brilliant versions of Europa and Ready to fly.
Takanaka has made dozens of albums over the years , all worth listening to although I would particularly recommend his earlier work. However, I would urge you to check out some of the myriad live performances on offer on YT. Live music is always the best in my opinion and Takanaka proves my point with his live playing continually outstripping the excellent studio versions of his work. I've been a Santana fan since 1969 (Woodstock), even interviewed him for the BBC and while working for them I was given a copy of the LP "Takanaka" (his second )in 1977 in the hope that I might play something from it on my radio show. In fact I played several tracks over succeeding nights and must therefore be one of possibly only a handful of DJs outside of Japan to give the man air time!! Takanaka does not release albums outside of Japan and rarely, if ever performs anywhere else. As a result, the entire world knows the name of Carlos Santana but outside the Land of the Rising Sun few are aware of the man I consider "Japan's Best Kept Secret". I thoroughly enjoyed this reaction which is helping to spread the word, I look forward to more of the same. Your new subscriber in the UK.
I'm from Spain and discovering Takanaka was a real joy, he inspires me a lot to play the guitar
Amazing inspiration to have!
This is from a show in 1980 or 1981 that he played with Carlos Santana in Japan.
Yes that is the same lady from the rainbow goblin concert.
I do not understand why Takanaka is not a bigger deal in the US/Europe. He is absolutely a top tier guitarist and songwriter. Although labeled a jazz fusion guitarist, his work is far more accessible than that label suggests. And his overall vibe is unparalleled. Listening to him is like an auditory anti-depressant.
The music is soooo positive and fun. Amazing, amazing work.
I’d highly recommend the album version of this song as well. It’s a bit more smooth jazz and refined sounding as compared to the rawness of this version. They’re both superb obviously
I came here after I saw band-maid video in your channel. I noticed that you watched Takanaka and Casioper. They are all very famous in the Japanese jazz/fusion world at that era. In fact, there was another guitarist who also very famous. His name is Kazumi Watanabe (渡辺香津美). At the age of 17, he made his debut in the jazz world and quickly became an extraordinary guitar prodigy. He is 70 years old this year.
You might as well watch the video if you're interested:
"Kazumi Watanabe, Marcus Miller - Tokyo Jazz 2010 - Unicorn"
or
"Kazumi Watanabe, Jeff Berlin, Bill Bruford - City (The Spice Of Life 1987) [Remastered]"
Added these to the backlog! Thank you so much for helping me find more amazing music!!!
Channeling Santana!
👍👍 try ASTERISM / DAWN 🎻
please react to t square too please..they are the same generations like casiopea..