Masayoshi Takanaka

About Masayoshi Takanaka

Masayoshi Takanaka, born in Tokyo in 1953, began his professional career in 1971 by playing guitar and bass guitar in the prog rock band “Flied Egg” with Hiro Tsunoda and the late Shigeru Narumo. In 1972, he joined “the Sadistic Mika Band” as a guitarist. The band fragmented before too long but he stayed as an active member of “the Sadistics” later formed band by the remaining members. In 1976, he released his first solo album, “Seychelles”. From then, he released “Ready To Fly”, “Blue Lagoon” and many other hit classics in rapid-fire way. The album “Rainbow Goblins” released in 1981 became his magnum-opus, shining brilliantly amongst all instrumental albums released in the Japanese music scene. He has collaborated with several other musical giants, notably Lee Ritenour Santana, Narada Michael Walden, Sheila E. and the other musicians from LA in both live acts and albums. Throughout the '70s, '80s and ‘90s, he continued his solo output, releasing song under Kitty Records until 1984 and EMI from 1985 to 2000. In 2000, he formed his own personal record label, Lagoon Records. Since then, he has energetically been carrying out nationwide tours every year. He held golden anniversary live “Rainbow Goblins Final” at the Nippon Budokan on 20, November, 2021. Official Website: www.takanaka.com