Tak Matsumoto releases eclectic cover of “SUKIYAKI” with the Grammy Winning Guitarist Larry Carlton

The Grammy winning team of Tak Matsumoto and Larry Carlton whose album “Take your Pick” won Best Pop Instrumental Album in 2011, have teamed up again on Matsumoto’s new album, Strings of My Soul.  The two collaborated on a cover of of the song “Sukiyaki” on the new album which combines elements of jazz, blues and rock.

Tagged as the most notorious guitarist in his homeland, Tak Matsumoto 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 a recent interview with Gibson.com, Matsumoto – who is best-known for his work with Japanese rock group B’z – described the album as “basically instrumental, more bluesy and mellower than [sic] his band B’z… This album represents me right now, in the present moment.”

In addition, Gibson Custom just released Matsumoto’s latest signature guitar – the Tak Matsumoto Doublecut Custom Ebony. Tak will complete his North American tour with B’z October 7 at the Gibson Amphitheater in Los Angeles.

To get a taste of the Japanese six-string virtuoso’s work, take a listen, check the tour schedule and/or get the album at: http://335records.com/wordpress/?page_id=368.

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.

Songs To Work Out To

I found this really unique album of songs to work out to that really gets me motivated.  It’s known as “Peak Performance Music”; a mix of high energy music, motivational messages and (something called) binaural beat technology – not sure what that is, but whatever it is, it works!  It’s great to start your day with, for working out, sports training, clearing your head or just a mood adjustment!

Each of the tracks deals with different life challenges – “Moving On” is about letting go of things or people that don’t serve you well anymore and “Ready for Takeoff” is about taking your life to the next level.  It’s really inspiring and for me, I want to keep listening so my workouts have gotten much longer!


I got hooked on these songs to work out to after getting the free download at http://www.SongsToWorkOutTo.com 


I got the full album after buying a couple of the singles on iTunes at: songs to work out to 

IS IT WORTH IT, Asks Hip Hop Headliner Frank Mizzy

Balancing work as the President of Capital Grind Entertainment, being an artist/songwriter, and obtaining his Master’s Degree, Frank maintains a positive influence on those around him and hopes his music will do the same.  Frank Mizzy is definitely an artist to watch, look for his solo EP this summer as well as the launch of Capital Grind Entertainment’s Dream Made brand. It’s a vision, a voice, a lifestyle…Dream Made.

New Jersey native and emerging hip hop star Frank Mizzy is promoting leadership and perseverance through his music. After experiencing major breakthroughs with his group Diverse Elegance, Frank is stepping out on his own to make an even bigger name for himself! Diverse Elegance was nominated as Group of The Year at both the Underground Music Awards and Indie Elite Music Awards and they did several College Radio tours on the East Coast.

Visit FrankMizzy.com  for more information and to hear some of Frank Mizzy’s new songs!

WannaBeatles Would Give Up Their Grammy Win for a Chance to Meet Paul McCartney

The WannaBeatles received their first Grammy nomination in December as the producers of "Fab Fan Memories - The Beatles Bond", a CD featuring songs, stories, recollections and fond thoughts about The Beatles from celebrities and everyday fans. The project is nominated in the "Best Spoken Word Album" category. The audio book also features narration by George Harrison's older sister, Louise Harrison, performances by The Liverpool Legends of Branson, Mo., and of course performances by The WannaBeatles themselves.

Fresh on the heels of their first Grammy nomination for "Fab Fan Memories - The Beatles Bond", the Nashville-based Beatles tribute band The WannaBeatles has launched a spirited campaign to meet Sir Paul at the Grammys in Hollywood on Feb. 12. The campaign includes the release of their new song and video, "We Wanna Meet Paul".

"We are so excited to be at the same show as Paul," said bandleader and two-time Grammy winner Dennis Scott. "Our little album has made it to the Grammys against all odds," Scott added. "This may be our one and only chance to meet Paul McCartney and, on behalf of the fans, thank him for the music that changed our lives."

"Our album is all about the fans," said Scott. The CD is available at iTunes

"If we meet Paul, it will be a victory for 'Fab Fans' everywhere."