Tak Matsumotos (short for Takashi ) album Hana reminded me
at times of some of the Japanese import releases the Ventures
put out in the 90s (they have sold more records in Japan than in the
U.S.). It has that distinctive Japanese instrumental rock-pop sound
that you could recognize playing anywhere, although none of it sounds
like pop music, because the principle of the entire album is a diverse
fusion approach. It sounds contradictory, but you have to hear the
music to understand where I am coming from.
There are times when Tak sounds and plays as if he is right on the
edge of cutting loose into some major shredding, like on the bonus
track Trinity, on the contrary he then plays laid back acoustic new
age-jazz-rock with an oriental flavor on the title track Hana, or
straight out contemporary jazz on 2011. It is a mixed bag to be sure.
Matsumoto is in effect all over the musical map, his guitar speaks
loud and clear so the addition of vocals would not be a factor any
way you look at it. To add to his vast range of style and genre treatment,
he gives his personal nod to the late great Jimi Hendrix on
Little Wing. It only seems appropriate that he do so considering he
is such an adept versatile player. The fact that Hendrix has probably
influenced anyone that has ever picked up a guitar is reason enough too.
The bottom line is there is something here for everyone to enjoy,
particularly if you like listening to instrumental music. I loved
it, and I will look forward to many more listens in the future to
this treasure chest of musical enthrallment.
1. Koi-Uta - 4:08
2. #1090 - Asian Sun - 3:53
3. Hana - 5:42
4. Machi - 4:27
5. Blue - Midousuji Blue - 3:42
6. Red Sky - 4:35
7. Little Wing - 3:28
8. Romeo & Juliet - 4:34
9. Hallelujah - 1:15
10. Engaged - 4:43
11. You Know.... - 4:38
12. 2011 - 1:35
13. Trinity * Bonus Track - 3:42
