Takeru Muraoka & His New Group

Takeru Muraoka is a saxophonist who has played in some of the most iconic groups of the era, including the Hideo Shiraki Quintet, Terumasa Hino Quartet, Akira Ishikawa & His Count Buffaloes, and The Freedom Unity. An active member in the Japanese jazz scene, he managed the difficult balance of pursuing cutting-edge musicality while remaining in the mainstream. While he played the important role of a sideman on many albums, he has a legacy of records that became milestones of Japanese jazz, either solo or as a bandleader, such as Takeru (1970) and the 1971 album Ride And Tie. That sense of being cutting-edge and ahead of the times is still apparent when you listen to 1978’s Soft Landing, with its novel grooves, emotional melodies, and unique soundscapes. This essential album transcends genres and is Muraoka’s unique and marvelous take on fusion.

A masterpiece featuring a richly colored sound that incorporates crossover and fusion elements, alongside cutting-edge grooves and sharp, edgy ensemble playing. The album features outstanding musicians such as Shin Kazuhara (Trumpet) and Masanori Sasaji (Keyboards), showcasing a wide range of musical expressions, from funky tracks to fast-paced numbers. Muraoka plays alto and soprano saxophone and lyricon, with Takao Naoi on electric and acoustic guitar, Michio Nagaoka on electric bass, Michael Kawai on drums and percussion and Kiyohiko Senba on percussion.

Japanese reissue by King Records for the Sound Fuji archive project, first colour vinyl edition, on clear deep blue vinyl. Newly cut from a 96kHz/24bit transfer of the original master tapes. Sleeve, obi and liner notes follow the original edition. Originally released July 21st 1978 on Seven Seas (SKS-3005).