Masayoshi Takanaka - An Insatiable High (Clear Yellow Vinyl)

Masayoshi Takanaka's An Insatiable High captures the Japanese guitarist at a dazzling point in his late-1970s development, blending jazz fusion, funk, tropical colour and polished studio craft into a compact album that still sounds exuberant and modern. Originally released in 1977, it followed the breakthrough of Seychelles and pushed Takanaka's melodic guitar language into a broader international setting. His bright, singing lead tone remains the centre of the record, but the arrangements are equally important: supple rhythm sections, layered percussion, glossy keyboards, horns and vocal textures create music that is both technically accomplished and instantly inviting.

The album opens with the buoyant groove of “Sexy Dance”, then moves through the sunlit sweep of “Malibu” and the expansive title track. Across the second side, pieces such as “E.S.P.”, “M5”, “Sundrops” and “Good (Bad?) Old Days” show how naturally Takanaka could connect fusion virtuosity with memorable themes and a relaxed, cinematic atmosphere. The sessions also feature an exceptional cast of musicians, including Lee Ritenour, Harvey Mason, Patrice Rushen, Chuck Rainey and members of Tower of Power, giving the record an unmistakably rich Los Angeles studio sheen without losing Takanaka's individual character.

This limited Clear Yellow Vinyl edition presents the album on a substantial 180g pressing. Universal Music Japan created the reissue from high-resolution transfers of the original master tapes, with remastering and lacquer cutting handled by Alex Wharton at Abbey Road Studios. The transparent yellow colour is a particularly fitting match for an album filled with warmth, motion and luminous guitar lines.

Essential for listeners exploring Japanese jazz-funk, city pop-adjacent fusion and sophisticated instrumental music, An Insatiable High is also an ideal entry point into Takanaka's catalogue. It balances musicianship and pure enjoyment with remarkable ease: detailed enough for close listening, but joyful and immediate enough to transform the atmosphere of any room.