Masayoshi Takanaka – Can I Sing?

Japanese guitar master Masayoshi Takanaka presents a collection of more vocally-driven tropical fusion songs on his thirteenth album for Kitty Records. Takanaka’s slick ’80s guitar is obviously all over the record, but the vocals are a major highlight for those a little tired of fusion instrumental guitar tracks. Even better, this was Takanka’s first album to utilize digital sequencer programmed by the great Yuji Toriyama, who works his magic on the Linn Drum and additional keyboards. The clear highlight here is the melancholic B4 “Noon” which features a sparkling synthesizer motif, field recordings of a storm, and incredible acoustic, nylon, and electric guitar work.

Recommended – A3 Sail On Fire, B4 Noon