Masayoshi Takanaka - On Guitar (2025, Reissued LP)

📅 Release Date: April 29, 2025 | Country: Japan

Pre-Order - Expected to Ship Late April, 2025

One of the most electrifying instrumental guitar albums of its time, On Guitar (1978) showcases Masayoshi Takanaka’s virtuosic technique, smooth phrasing, and deep appreciation for jazz, rock, and Latin rhythms.

Featuring an all-star backing band, including Yukihiro Takahashi (drums), Haruomi Hosono (bass), Getao Takahashi (bass), Pecker (percussion), and Motoya Hamaguchi (percussion), highlighting the elite musicianship of the late '70s Japanese fusion scene.

The album seamlessly blends smooth jazz, Latin grooves, and rock influences into a dynamic sonic journey : from the soulful elegance of George Benson’s "Breezin’" to a Santana-esque rendition of "Samba Pati", Takanaka reimagines legendary tracks with his signature flair, infusing each with his breezy, sun-soaked guitar work. The rare original track "Rainbow" and a lush interpretation of Boz Scaggs’ "We're All Alone" make this a must-have for fusion and jazz-rock collectors.

Tracklist:

Side A
A1. Breezin’ (George Benson)
A2. Blue Curacao (The Sadistics)
A3. Just The Way You Are (Billy Joel)
A4. Mambo Jambo (Perez Prado)

Side B
B1. Samba Pati (Santana)
B2. Rainbow (Masayoshi Takanaka)
B3. That's The Way Of The World (Earth, Wind & Fire)
B4. We're All Alone (Boz Scaggs)

Credits and Other Identifiers:
Lawson Entertainment, Inc. NJS-815