STRANGE BEAUTIFUL MUSIK
HANS D HARMS | runaway bay, QLD Australia | 05/28/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"What a pleasant surprise. This fusion of eastern melodies with western rock and classical elements works like never before on this CD. Everyone I have played this to loves it ( not always a good sign ). Georgous melodies, superb playing and a wide range of styles keeps you entertained and challenged throughout. Comparisons are hard to find ( NEAL SCHON, JOHNNY A,PHIL KEAGGY)
and only serve to suggest the flavour rather than the style of this unique musical experience. It gets better with every listen.
Pity MATSUMOTO's other releases arn't available outside japan."
Melody man who still can kick ...!
Benjamin J. Neiman | Phila., Pa. United States | 04/07/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Here is a guitarist who serves up melody on a silver platter. I know some people will complain that this is a bit smooth, but you won't find a better listen in instrumental rock if you like SONGS, not mindless jamming ... . He has great feel, great tone, real good technique and is very inspired. Pick this up if you like players like Tim Pierce, Steve Lukather, Larry Carlton and Jeff Beck. Nice stuff."
Guitar + erhu sounds great!
keenonbz | Australia | 05/27/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Tak Matsumoto, the only Asian guitarist to date that owns two signature Les Paul Gibsons, is also song-writer and guitarist of B'z, Japan's best-selling rock band to date. They have been around for 15 years and is hailed as an evergreen band.
HANA features more of the musician and song-writer side of Tak. Koi Uta and Hana, both songs boast beautiful Oriental melody. Who would have guessed that electric guitar and er-hu (ancient Chinese instrumental) combines so well! You would be charmed by Tak's choice of melody and his improvisation skill in all songs. Besides Koi Uta and Hana, I also love #1090, Midosuji Blue, Romeo & Juliet, Engaged and 2011.
For more rocking Tak though, I would recommend any B'z works like Brotherhood or Eleven. The guitar playing is simply MAD!"
Track Listings (13) - Disc #1
