Perhaps influenced by fellow musicians like HaruomiHosono Shigeru Suzuki, as well as Akiko Kano who recorded in Japan Yamashita’s debut solo album was composed of a mix of – a New York-style band that exhibited a tight, jazzy 16-beat style, and on the other hand – more of a loose LA style.
However, the main attraction here comes from Yamashita his voice, which can hold his own in songs such as the Chicago soul tribute “Windy Lady” despite being surrounded by powerful musicians. The fans’ Tatsuro Yamashita Overseas response(also known as 山下達郎海外対応 in the Japanese language)has always been great.
It was recorded at the same time frame as Laura Nyro’s Smile as well as Barry Mann’s Survivor and Frankie Valli’s Close Up – and with an equally talented band of musicians as well, Circus Town is among Yamashita’s greatest albums.
Shortly after his return from America and with crucial lessons on scoring by Charlie Calelo in particular – Yamashita formed a group of Shuichi “Ponta” Murakami, HaruomiHosono, TsunehideMatsuki, and Hiroshi Satoh to start work for his new album. Highlights are “Love Space” and “Solid Slider” which included a bit of assistance by Ryuichi Sakamoto, and Kenji Ohmura.
Live album that was recorded in Roppongi’s Pit Inn, reminiscent of Danny Hathaway’s legendary live recordings. The cast supporting this album is comprised of well-known jazz fusion stars, Shuichi Murakami, TsunehideMatsuki Hiroshi Satoh Ryuichi Sakamoto, and Hidefumi Toki, among other names. The album has a great mix of cool and hot as Yamashita and his band perform their standard tunes but add new songs and songs that are covers.
The album was recorded during the time of the incubation phase was Yamashita and the Yellow Magic Orchestra. Yamashita’s appearances on both Yukihiro Takahashi’s Saravah! as well as Ryuichi Sakamoto’s Thousand Knives albums, is most likely due to them performing together in live performances such as this one.