Japanese Guitar Legend Tak Matsumoto Latest Album, "Strings of My Soul"

Outside of the hugely successful rock duo, B’z, Tak Matsumoto is also an incredible solo artist who is often revered by the likes of Larry Carlton, Steve Vai, Eric Johnson, Robben Ford, Keb Mo, Pat Metheny and even Eric Clapton.  Matsumoto’s guitar experimentation led him from jazz and blues to hard rock and pop; a journey evident on the new album "Strings of My Soul," out since August 7.

He considers this album "a new album of myself" while revisiting all of his past favorites songs.

The album is the newest release outside Asia, after his first solo effort, "Hana," in 2003.

Tagged as the most notorious guitarist in his homeland, Tak is best known for his tenure in B’z, the most successful Japanese hard/blues rock act to date, with more than 80 million albums sold in the last 20 years.  In Japan, they play venues like the Yokohama International Stadium to 140,000 people. 

An eclectic mix of jazz, blues and rock, "Strings of My Soul" demonstrates Tak’s incredible guitar ability and technique, as well as his constant instrumental exploration.  To get a taste of the Japanese six-string virtuoso’s work, take a listen, check the tour schedule and/or get the album here.

Evanescence Fans Will Love the Latest Album by Indie Artist Lee-Leet

Lee-Leet is an example of how independent artists can reach out to their audiences through the Internet, thus bypassing record labels. She’s brought to you by her fans from all over the world who financed her current European tour via SellaBand music website.

A Polish solo artist, Lee-Leet released her third album, “Leave it Behind,” in November. You can preview the album here.

Her music is a form of art rock, with progressive and avant-garde influences. In her lyrics, she talks about emotions, difficult relationships, love, spirituality, metaphysics, disappointment, hope and the quest for the intangible. Lee-Leet is for people who are seeking transcendence in art and who are interested in sharing the emotional experience it conveys.

She plays the piano, produces and publishes her own music. If your musical tastes include artists like Florence and the Machines, Evanescence, or Kate Bush, you will thoroughly enjoy listening to her.

Oh, and BTW, the title song made it to the No. 3 spot on the Polish rock charts at Antyradio in its first week. You can check out the video for the track here. As a result, Lee-Leet said in a press article that the era of major record labels is over, and the onset of a new era, in which independent artists reach out to their audience through the Internet, is happening presently.

Top Selling Rock Music Band From Japan, B'z Tours US And Canada With Tak Performing Smooth Jazz As Opening Act

"Strings of My Soul" is latest release by Japanese smooth-jazz guitar player Tak Matsumoto, of B’z fame. Tagged as the most notorious guitarist in his homeland, Tak is best known for his tenure as half of the duo known as B’z, the most successful Japanese hard/blues rock act to date, with more than 80 million albums sold in the last 20 years. In Japan, they play venues like the Yokohama International Stadium to 140,000 people. Outside of the successful duo, Tak is also an incredible solo artist who is often revered by the likes of Larry Carlton, Steve Vai, Eric Johnson, Robben Ford, Keb Mo, Pat Metheny and even Eric Clapton. Matsumoto’s guitar experimentation led him from jazz and blues to hard rock and pop; a journey evident on the new album "Strings of My Soul," out since August 7. He considers this album "a new album of myself," while revisiting all of his past favorites songs. An eclectic mix of jazz, blues and rock, "Strings of My Soul" demonstrates Tak’s incredible guitar ability and technique, as well as his constant instrumental exploration. To get a taste of the Japanese six-string virtuoso’s work, take a listen and/or get the album here.