Tetsuo Sakurai, born in 1957, began his bass playing at age 13 (1970).
At age 19, along with guitarist Issei Noro, founded the jazz/pop fusion band
Casiopea. The band released 19 albums, while Sakurai remained with the
band until 1989. In 1989, both Sakurai and drummer Akira Jimbo went on to
form their own jazz fusion group "Jimsaku". This band lasted until 1989,
when both Sakurai and Jimbo went to develop their solo careers.
Tetsuo Sakurai's bass playing is one of the most solid and superb that I have ever
heard. I was first acquainted with his playing on the Photographs album,
in vinyl.
The first cut which I heard on this album was "Misty Lady". My friend
did not show me the cover. After hearing this song, the sound of his bass, and
the authority of his playing, I was sure this guy was black. I was
absolutely stunned to find out that he was Japanese! His timing is like
clock work. He is a slap and pop master, but he is also very proficient
with just his fingers. Oddly he does not like to be classified as a Jazz
musician. Below are some videos of his great bass playing.
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