YASUYUKI TAKAGI: YAZ

Yasuyuki Takagi

YAZ

© 2003 Yasuyuki Takagi (616892535928)

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Mixture of smooth jazz, R&B & funk

tracks

1 China Town
2 Fantasy
3 Isn't She Lovely
4 For the love of you
5 What's going on
6 Don't you worry 'bout a thing

notes

A native of Osaka, Japan, Yasuyuki Takagi (call him Yaz) was influenced by the sounds of jazz at a very early age. As a child, Yaz listened to both the music of his native homeland as well as his father?fs jazz collection. Looking back on his childhood, Yaz always felt that the presence of his father?fs records had a big influence on his musical development. And though he admits that he didn?ft know what it was he was listening to back then, it had enough of an impact to shape his musical direction for the rest of his life.

As a student, Yaz listened to artists such as Bob James, Dave Grusin, The Crusaders, Earth, Wind and Fire, Grover Washington Jr. and other American jazz artists. And while his friends were listening to the energy and power of rock?fn roll, it was David Sanborn?fs music that led him to pursue the saxophone as his instrument of choice. Subsequently, upon entering Japan?fs Kochi University Yaz began to study the saxophone while earning his Bachelor?fs Degree in Education. And although he started to listen to and collect more of the same albums which he heard as a child in his father?fs house, he never dreamed that one day he might go to the United States, New York in particular, to pursue a career as a professional musician.

After graduation, Yaz worked through the day as a social worker in Osaka while studying saxophone with Tetsuyuki Miya and theory with Sadayasu Fujii. As his passion for jazz grew stronger through time; He began to play with jazz groups and also sat in on some of teacher?fs gigs, as well. At this point Yaz decided that he wanted to continue his jazz studies abroad and moved to New York in April, 1992.

However, after moving to New York, Yaz was impressed with the higher level of musicianship and began to lose confidence in his own abilities. Feeling that his own ability was inadequate to pursue a career as a professional musician in New York, he decided to return back to Japan. However, with only a month left in N.Y. before his scheduled return home, he met a fellow saxophonist who encouraged him to stay and pursue his dreams.

Hence, he decided to stay in New York and began studying with Rob Scheps while working as a dishwasher in a Japanese restaurant. As time passed, his abilities (and confidence) improved as his continued to work at night and practice during the day until soon he was able to switch to a day job, thus leaving his evenings open for music.

As Yaz began to play with more and more groups and jam sessions, his abilities came to the attention of some N.Y. area local bands, such as Joy Ryder and the New York Rhythm All Stars, the smooth jazz group Since When?, The Sly Geralds Band, to name a few. When he lost his day job as the result of the September 11th, tragedy, Yaz became a full time musician, formed his own group (the Yaz Takagi Group) and became a regular feature with the New York City Transit Authority?fs ?gMusic Under New York?h series.

reviews

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  • FABULOUS!!!!! The man is amazing. I just bought 2 CD's.
    author: Debi Grosser

    His PASSION comes through his music. He is FANTASTIC! I just heard the group play at the LIRR in NYC. I was wondering what station it was and walked over and heard it was LIVE and GREAT so I bought 2 CD's and hope there's more coming. I REALLY LOVE the STYLE of music. I am very picky!! THANKS FOR YOUR MUSIC and pursuing your dreams. It made the my music collection more complete!

  • excellent story of musician seeking success
    author: scott mandel

    as I have listened to your band in the subway station while in Little Italy, man I am impressed with your sound. I said to myself you should be touring in FLORIDA. Delray Beach area has a jazz night in an ampitheater on a regular basis, and would welcome your band there. worth checking out. best wishes for continued success. Your cds are excellent and look forward to a longer CD of musical parodies.

  • An awesomely Brilliant Man
    author: James L

    I truly enjoyed listening to this CD. The saxophone is an instrument that leaves plenty of room for improvisation and Yaz uses it very wisely.I personally enjoyed chinatown. He's the greatest and I look forward to seeing more of him

  • making tourists happy to visit + residents happy to live here
    author: Nim

    my parents (big longtime jazz fans) visited me recently. on their list of things to do was to find some good jazz. we stumbled across yaz at grand central. that 10 minutes satisfied their need to see good jazz in nyc.

  • YAZ's band is tight. Symphony. Melody. Pace. Beauty. All in one.
    author: Isaac Sagoe

    Like most people, I was struck when I first heard the band play a year ago on 42nd St. I couldn't move; and you know what the soul feels about good music... 'let it go on and on and on and on...' Yaz is classic. This CD is impossible! Their style is full of surprises for a typical Jazz fun, and for freshies, watch out for addiction.

  • WHAT DO U WANT ?!?!
    author: KIM TAE HOON

    YEA. SO COOLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL~~!! I just listened this music in the subway station when i came back to the home. The music made me as a stone :p i couldnt move. lol music is so nice. im listening now. also. the seller girl was so pretty :p

  • The best jazz in New York
    author: Anthony Wheeler

    If you're looking for authentic jazz in the order of Jackie Mclean and other cool jazz artist then Yaz is your man. I love traditional eclectic jazz and Yaz excels in all facets of this art form. I was captivated by his performance along with the other members of his group. While they have graced New York's Penn Station, I can't wait to see them again on stage in a New York City jazz club.

  • author: dean jean pierre

    I saw Yaz and his band at Penn Station playing a few weeks ago. They were awesome I just stood there along with other straphangers vibing on the music. Great Stuff, especially "Isn't She Lovely" keep blowing Yaz.

  • Brilliant CD. Very talented musician. Recommended
    author: Elaine Rhoades

    A vibrant and exciting CD by an artist previously unknown to me. An eclectic mixture of old and new material done in an original and fresh style. A pleasure to listen to and appeals to all ages and everyone who enjoys quality music. A must for jazz fans.

  • The music is captivating and full of life!
    author: Joaquin Esquilin

    I can't stop playing it. It's smooth flavor and full of life attitude is the perfect blend for any occasion. Everyone's first jazz experience should be YAZ!

  • author: Yuichi Kawaii

    Good Sax plays! I like Don`t you worry about...most. My daughter (1 years old)likes China town and she dances on the tune!

  • Smooth jazz with a taste of soul from the East.!
    author: Terence Culpepper

    This first outing by Japanese saxophonist Yasuyuki Takagi is a straightforward sample of the great things to come from this artist. The songs performed on this CD gives the listener a good idea of how an artist can offer the rendition of covers which puts the music first and not the musician's need to display dazzling technical prowess to the world as a means of expression. Instead, Yasuyuki Takagi keeps it simple (and has a good time in the process) and straight to the point in this 6 song offering. Perhaps the CD's hight point is the song "China Town" which is an original whose only shortcoming is that it makes the listener want to hear more of the saxophonist's own original ideas. Also noteworthy are Mr. Takagi's musicians, who display a tight rhythmic foundation for him to display his ample abilities to a public which should immediately welcome this new talent on the music scene.

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