Casiopea

Formed in 1976 by guitarist Issei Noro and bassist Tetsuo Sakurai, Casiopea are one of the longest-standing Japanese jazz fusion bands alongside fellow fusioneers T-Square, who also formed that year. Their sound offers complex compositions, fat grooves, polished production, and highly technical performances. Their eponymous 1979 debut album added keyboardist Minoru Mukaiya and drummer Takashi Sasaki, and American guests the Brecker Brothers and David Sanborn. It showcased a style based in electric jazz that also incorporated funk, rock, and electronic music. Drummer Akira Jimb...