| Format: | LP |
| Availability: | Out of stock |
TIME002
06/05/2022
Repress. Japanese fusion guitarist Yuji Toriyama’s early 80s selected instrumental tracks first time on 45 rpm loud cut vinyl with original artwork by Ben Arfur.
The 2nd installment from the label is an anthology of guitarist, composer and producer Yuji Toriyama, regarded as one of the pioneering Japanese fusionists alongside Hiroshi Sato, Ryo Kawasaki and Yasuaki Shimizu. Toriyama has not enjoyed as much recognition as his contemporary, after shunning a solo career in favour of pop and TV arrangements in the 90s and composing video games soundtracks like Street Fighter II and Final Fantasy XII.
Choice Works 1982-1985 represents his first reissue title, with Kay Suzuki compiling work from three rare albums to showcase the best of Toriyama’s sound, most appealing to modern ears. Drum machines and live drums combine to create rich depth, complimented by the boogie tenacity of funk fusionist Toshiki Kadomatsu and the crying spiritual solos of Pat Metheny. It’s no coincidence that Metheny and Toriyama used the same Roland GR-300 and G-505 synth guitars.
