MASAYOSHI TAKANAKA – Hot Pepper CD

MASAYOSHI TAKANAKA – Hot Pepper (1981 / CD: late-’80s CT32-5225, Toshiba-EMI Japan)

Originally released in 1981, Hot Pepper captures Takanaka at a turning point, moving from his classic jazz fusion sound toward a brighter and pop leaning direction that defined early 1980s Japanese instrumental music. Tracks like “Godzilla Dream” and “Turn It Up” hit with tight rhythm section drive, while “Biscayne Blue” and “You’re Everything I See” keep a melodic, easygoing pulse.

The CT32-5225 CD edition is part of Toshiba-EMI’s late 1980s high quality reissue line, featuring clear and dynamic mastering that preserves the sharp guitar phrasing and studio precision of the original recordings.

Highlights: “Godzilla Dream,” “Shady Lady,” “Biscayne Blue.”
Original Japanese issue on Eastworld / Toshiba-EMI.