Masayoshi Takanaka

[Hendrix416]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IlIyO_cbFfU
Just discovered this guitarist upon a search through YouTube for Japanese stereo commercials, (http://www.audiokarma.org/forums/showthread.php?t=295691). The song is titled "Blue Lagoon" and has a late 70s latin rock sound, kinda like Santana. I've been trying to get info on this guy, but everything I find is in Japanese. Wondering if anyone has any info or album suggestions. If not, check out the video, he's a pretty descent guitarist who sounds a little like Carlos Santana.

 

[ranf1970]

Hey Hendrix416,

Here is a little English blurb from his myspace page:

Masayoshi Takanaka, 1953, Tokyo, Japan.
At the age of 18, the professional debut was with Hiro Tsunoda and Shigeru Narumo as the rock band called "Fried Egg". Strangely, he was a bassist in those days. Afterwards, he performed his first band with "Sadistic Mika Band" as a guitarist. And performed the British tour. He has long been the guitarist. Starting in 1976, TAKANAKA began his own solo career which now includes over 50 albums and many sessions. The Japanese guitarist that TAKANAKA is most popular.

He played a guitar with many musicians on stage and studio.
Carlos Santana and Santana Band, Lee Ritenour, Harvey Mason, Chuck Rainey, Abraham Laboriel, Tower Of Power, Patrice Rushen, Narada Michael Walden, Sheila E, T.M. Stevens, Joaquin Lievano, Frank Martin, Little Richard, Al McKay(EW&F), Jeff Porcaro(TOTO), Pauline Wilson, Hans Dulfer, ...and more.

TAKANAKA's master tunes, know as "Blue Lagoon" "Ready To Fly" and "Rainbow Goblins Story".

He also seems to have an interesting taste in guitars:

http://www.guitarnoize.com/blog/comments/masayoshi-takanakas-model-railway-guitar/

 

[Hendrix416]

Wow, thanks for the info. Looks like I need to dig though liner notes of the artists he has collaborated with.