1: Prologue (3:16) 2: Once Upon a Song (5:10) 3: Seven Goblins (3:12) 4: The Sunset Valley (4:24) 5: The Moon Rose (5:39) 6: Soon (6:27) 7: Magical Night Light (1:53) 8: Rainbow Paradise (5:06) 9: Thunder Storm (3:13) 10: Rising Arch (4:50) 11: Just Chuckle (3:43) 12: Rainbow Was Reborn (5:58) 13: Plumed Bird (7:33) 14: You Can Never Come to This Place (8:05)
Description:
Based upon "The Rainbow Goblins" by Ul de Rico.
SHM-CD. Digitally remastered 2013.
"Niji Densetsu - The Rainbow Goblins" on CD is a captivating release by Japanese guitar virtuoso Masayoshi Takanaka, issued by Universal Music. Inspired by a fantastical, story-like concept, the album unfolds as a colorful sound journey that blends jazz-fusion, city pop, funk and melodic rock elements into a vivid, almost cinematic experience. Takanaka's fluid, lyrical lead guitar stands at the center: shimmering clean tones, tasteful effects and precise phrasing create a vibrant musical palette that mirrors the "rainbow" theme in sound. The compositions are rich in melody yet accessible, with grooves that move effortlessly between laid-back smoothness and energetic drive. Carefully crafted arrangements, dynamic interplay between band members and a polished production make this CD equally suitable for focused listening with headphones and as a sophisticated backdrop for relaxed evenings. For fans of Japanese fusion and city pop, "Niji Densetsu - The Rainbow Goblins" is a standout showcase of how expressive and narrative instrumental music can be.
Masayoshi Takanaka is one of Japan's most influential guitarists of the late 1970s and 1980s, known for his virtuosic yet always song-oriented playing and his pioneering role in Japanese fusion and city pop. Over the course of numerous albums, he has developed a signature sound built on sparkling guitar tones, catchy hooks and a distinctive sense of groove, earning him a loyal following far beyond Japan. Many of his recordings are now regarded as cult classics, frequently rediscovered by new generations of listeners and DJs around the world. This CD highlights the strengths that made Takanaka a key figure of his era: technical brilliance in the service of memorable melodies and a strong, instantly recognizable musical personality.
The release comes from Universal Music, one of the world's largest and most established music companies. Universal Music represents a broad spectrum of international artists and catalogues across every genre, from pop and rock to classical and jazz, and is known for high production standards, careful catalog curation and long-term preservation of important recordings. Releases under the Universal Music banner typically benefit from professional mastering, reliable manufacturing quality and attentive catalog management, ensuring that significant works like "Niji Densetsu - The Rainbow Goblins" remain available in high-quality editions for demanding collectors and new fans alike.
Whether you are just beginning to explore Japanese fusion or are already familiar with Masayoshi Takanaka's work, this CD edition provides an excellent opportunity to experience a particularly imaginative and colorful facet of his artistry in a durable, collectible physical format.