Masayuki Takayanagi

• LIMITED EDITION

Considered the 'Lochness monster' of Japanese free jazz records due to its incredible rarity, this album was the debut recording of Takayanagi Masayuki as leader with The New Directions. Recorded at the Teichiku Kaikan studios on 18 September 1969 (released in 1970) Independence - Tread on Sure Ground, is largely regarded as the first true classic of Japanese free jazz.

The group thrashes out an entirely new Japanese methodology for improvisation based on Takayanagi's theories about progressive art. As Alan Cummings explains in his texts to review issues, the group's sonic outburst is pregnant with an urgent intensity similar to a violent rotating windstorm.

PERSONNEL:

• Motoharu Yoshizawa - (bass, cello)
• Yoshizaburo Toyozumi - (drums, percussion)
• Masayuki Takayanagi - (guitar)

TRACKS:

• SIDE A
• A1. The Galactic System
• A2. Sick...Sick...Sickness...My Aunt
• A3. Study No.3 Up And Down

• SIDE B
• B1. Herdsman's Pipe Of Spain
• B2. Deepnight...Swamp
• B3. Piranha