1 Comment

What a delightful surprise, Tom! I'm able to listen to Takanaka while writing! I'm picky about my "background" music, and you nailed his stylings accurately! I love the apt Benson/Duke/Beck mentions, plus the "suave string writing of Philadelphia soul," which I love lots, and have written about extensively, especially the late Thom Bell and his contributions.

I need to offer some space, in the future, to master string arranger/composer, Gene Page, who operated in a similar soul/R&B '70s and '80s lane, but more free-lance (and not Philly-bound as was Bell).

I notice Takanaka was in the Sadistic Mika Band in the early '70s. I only remember that name vaguely (it's hard to forget) from having seen and sold at least one of their albums when I worked in retail records in the U.S., late '70s. I don't recall Takanaka solo albums at all, so I wonder which countries his product was released. I notice he was on EMI (I'm guessing worldwide) for a few years, but long after I left the biz!

Inasmuch as he's worked with Santana and Roxy Music, I'm betting I've seen his name on some record liner notes! Thanks for this, Tom! I'm still enjoying...I'll try to make it to the end of the video album!😁

Expand full comment