Casiopea | Artist
Casiopea is a Japanese jazz fusion band formed 1976 in Tokyo by guitarist Issei Noro and bassist Tetsuo Sakurai. The following year the lineup expanded to include Hidehiko Koike (keyboards) and Takashi Sasaki (drums). Minoru Mukaiya took over on keys in 1977 and Akira Jimbo became drummer in 1980. One of the band's earliest appearances was at Yamaha's amateur band contest "EastWest '76." Over four decades the band has continued to evolve and innovate within the jazz fusion genre, along the way gaining international recognition for their unique blend of smooth jazz, rock, funk, and pop, and have released over 40 albums. Their music is characterized by complex rhythms, intricate melodies, and virtuosic instrumental performances, held together with tight ensemble playing. What sets Casiopea apart from other bands is their ability to seamlessly blend different musical styles while maintaining a distinctive sound that is instantly recognizable. Casiopea's popularity extends far beyond their native Japan and they have toured extensively around the world. They recorded their debut self-titled album in 1979 with guest appearances by American jazz heavyweights Randy Brecker, Michael Brecker and David Sanborn. That album attracted widespread critical acclaim, putting them firmly on the radar as a jazz-fusion band with great future. Commenting on the album, one reviewer described it in the following glowing terms: "what astonishes me each time I listen to this album is how effortlessly these guys showcase their intricate skills. Despite the high technical prowess they flawlessly display, what strikes me is how the music they create feels so natural and gentle to my ears. It might sound cliché, but it's like watching a vivid movie or a series of scenes crafted with colourful guitar melodies, lively bass rhythms, rich keyboards and enchanting saxophones, with a continuous flow of harmonious sound.." To-date the band has released 37 consistently good studio albums, plus many excellent live releases. Although the current-day lineup bears little resemblance to the original, being denoted as Casiopea-P4, they are still releasing top shelf material to the present day. Some standout albums include Casiopea (1979), Super Flight (1979), Make Up City (1980), Asian Dreamer (1994), Marble (2004), New Topics (2022), and the live albums Mint Jams (1982) and Casiopea vs The Square Live (2004). In latter years Casiopea collaborated closely with other Japanese fusion bands such as Ottottrio and T-Square. The bands often interchange members when playing live, and have formed many offshoot projects together. Founding member, guitarist Noro Issei, has released 6 solo albums plus works as an instructor of a guitar clinic, and as a producer. In 1983, Yamaha manufactured a guitar specifically for Issei Noro, known as the Yamaha SG-IN. Fellow founder Tetsuo Sakurai also has some excellent solo albums to his name, and is a member of jazz fusion group Jimsaku.
Artist Website: casiopea.co.jp
Featured Albums: Casiopea
Related Artists: Issei Noro, Tetsuo Sakurai, Jimsaku, Ottottrio, T-Square
