Casiopea
Encyclopedia
, named as a misspelling of the constellation Cassiopeia
, was a Japan
ese jazz fusion
band that was formed in 1976 by guitarist Issei Noro
, bassist Tetsuo Sakurai
and keyboardist Hidehiko Koike. In 1977, keyboardist Minoru Mukaiya
and drummer Takashi Sasaki joined the group, leaving Hidehiko out of Casiopea. The group debuted with the self-titled album Casiopea in 1979, featuring Randy Brecker
and Michael Brecker
as guest musicians. In 1980, Takashi was replaced by Akira Jimbo
. Casiopea has released over 35 albums to date in both Japan and the United States.
Some of Casiopea's most famous tracks include Asayake, Galactic Funk and Eyes of The Mind.
Galactic Funk first featured in their 1981 album "Crosspoint" which had around 10 different versions recorded both live and in studio.
The album "Eyes of the Mind" was released in the United States
in 1981. They then released the album Mint Jams in 1982, followed by Four by Four the same year, which was a collaborative album with Lee Ritenour
, Harvey Mason
, Nathan East
and Don Grusin
(all except Don Grusin
later became founding members of Fourplay
). Their first overseas concert was held in the United Kingdom
in 1983. The group has toured Europe, South America, Australia, and Southeast Asia.
In 1987, Casiopea signed to another Record Label, Polydor.
In 1989, Akira Jimbo and Tetsuo Sakurai left the band following several years of musical differences. They later formed their own duo-band, Jimsaku
. For their replacement, Casiopea chose Yoshihiro Naruse (bass) and Masaaki Hiyama
(drums). They signed to yet another record label, Pioneer.
In 1993, the group once again changed its members. Noriaki Kumagai
came to replace Masaaki, and a year later, 1994, the group Signed once again to Alfa Records, but signed to Pony Canyon in the later part of the year. Then in 1997, Akira returned to Casiopea, this time as a part-time member, recording more albums and again contributing some of the compositions.
In 2000, The Group signed once again to Pioneer LDC. Only 4 years later, 2004, Pioneer LDC changed their name to Geneon Entertainment.
On August 1, 2006, Issei Noro, the group's leader, decided to freeze all activities of the band until further notice.
In 2007, Issei Noro (along with fellow Casiopea member, Akira Jimbo and several others) formed a J-Fusion group, "Inspirits". Issei Noro and Inspirits had released 2 albums since then.
In January 2009, Casiopea were involved with an album, "Tetsudou Seminar Ongakuhen", which was some music based on Minoru Mukaiya's Train Simulator Videogames. On May 27, 2009, A limited-edition box set consisting of almost all of Casiopea's albums, called "Legend of Casiopea", was released in commemoration of the group's 30th Anniversary.
(1979), then re-recorded on their fourth album, Eyes of the Mind
in 1981, and Live, for Mint Jams
in 1982. The "Mint Jams" version is a regular favorite, and is often played as an encore number or last number. With the Bridge of the Song having Long notes, the lead guitarist (Issei Noro) has a free hand, to pump his fist for the next 1 and a half-measure of the song. The intro of this song consists often of a Rhythm-Guitar Riff. The 1995 J-Pop/Rap song, "Asayake" by Yuki Mori and MC Gaku samples the Intro Guitar riff from Casiopea's "Asayake" extensively.
from 1981. Then it was performed for "Mint Jams" in a different arrangement. The "Mint Jams" version includes a part where each instrument plays a note or chord, then is followed by another in the next 16th Note, usually in this order: Drums, guitar, bass, keyboard. On "Mint Jams", This builds up to a technical and relatively long Bass Solo, followed by a drum solo. On the "Asian Dreamer" version from 1994, this break is modified to be played in different chords, times, tempos, etc. On Tetsuo Sakurai's Arrangement from "My Dear Musiclife", the song is further modified, adding a Saxophone solo.
", featuring a solo from the Guitarist and Keyboardist, then the Drummer and Bassist trading solos. Then it was recorded with Guitarist Lee Ritenour, Pianist Dave Grusin, Drummer Harvey Mason and Bassist Nathan East on 4x4 (Four by Four)
in 1982, with Both Guitarists trading solos, Both Keyboardists trading Solos, and a trade between the Bassists and Drummers collectively.
(1979). This song is known for its Main Theme, which is repeated 4 times but modulated to an upper Minor-3rd each time. This song is usually played at the Early-to-Middle of their Live Concerts. The Live versions often include a break in which the Guitarist, Keyboardist, and Bassist play the same solo over the Chords from the Intro.
. Intro and ending of this song includes a lot of 16th-note-triplets in impressive unison phrases, and song to symbolize their technical aspects.
as "Eyes of Mind". Then, the song was released on its own album, Eyes of the mind
.
The song was called "Mirage" and the album is called "My Dear Musiclife", and it was released on Sept. 9, 2009.
Since then, Noro and Sakurai have been on a Domestic Club tour as Pegasus called the "Nice to Meet you" tour.
Cassiopeia
-Mythology:* Cassiopeia , a queen of Ethiopia and mother of Andromeda in Greek mythology.-Science:* Cassiopeia , a northern constellation representing the queen* Cassiopeia A, a supernova remnant in that constellation....
, was a Japan
Japan
Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south...
ese jazz fusion
Jazz fusion
Jazz fusion is a musical fusion genre that developed from mixing funk and R&B rhythms and the amplification and electronic effects of rock, complex time signatures derived from non-Western music and extended, typically instrumental compositions with a jazz approach to lengthy group improvisations,...
band that was formed in 1976 by guitarist Issei Noro
Issei Noro
is a Japanese jazz fusion guitarist who is one of the founding members and the main composer of the band Casiopea. He has released 6 solo albums and a compilation. He also works as an instructor of a guitar clinic, and as a producer...
, bassist Tetsuo Sakurai
Tetsuo Sakurai
is a Japanese bassist. To date, he has released a total of 37 albums as a member of Casiopea and Jimsaku and solo artist, and has also made 3 bass instructional videos.-History:Tetsuo Sakurai started playing bass when he was 13 years old....
and keyboardist Hidehiko Koike. In 1977, keyboardist Minoru Mukaiya
Minoru Mukaiya
is a Japanese musician. He joined the jazz fusion band Casiopea in 1979 as keyboardist.He is also the producer of the train simulator game, Train Simulator and CEO of Ongakukan, even the first musician in Japan who plays iPad piano apps ever.-Discography:as a Keyboardist for Casiopea*Casiopea...
and drummer Takashi Sasaki joined the group, leaving Hidehiko out of Casiopea. The group debuted with the self-titled album Casiopea in 1979, featuring Randy Brecker
Randy Brecker
Randal "Randy" Brecker is an American trumpeter and flugelhornist. He is a highly sought after performer in the genres of jazz, rock, and R&B, and has performed or recorded with Stanley Turrentine, Billy Cobham, Bruce Springsteen, Lou Reed, Sandip Burman, Charles Mingus, Blood, Sweat & Tears,...
and Michael Brecker
Michael Brecker
Michael Leonard Brecker was an American jazz saxophonist and composer. Acknowledged as "a quiet, gentle musician widely regarded as the most influential tenor saxophonist since John Coltrane," he has been awarded 15 Grammy Awards as both performer and composer and was inducted into Down Beat Jazz...
as guest musicians. In 1980, Takashi was replaced by Akira Jimbo
Akira Jimbo
is a Japanese freelance jazz fusion drummer who is famous for his drumming independence and fusion of electronic drum technology and acoustic drums. Aside from his solo work, he is also the drummer in the Japanese jazz fusion band Casiopea and has participated in various side projects with other...
. Casiopea has released over 35 albums to date in both Japan and the United States.
Some of Casiopea's most famous tracks include Asayake, Galactic Funk and Eyes of The Mind.
History
They were first signed to Alfa Records in 1979, with their first album Casiopea.Galactic Funk first featured in their 1981 album "Crosspoint" which had around 10 different versions recorded both live and in studio.
The album "Eyes of the Mind" was released in the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
in 1981. They then released the album Mint Jams in 1982, followed by Four by Four the same year, which was a collaborative album with Lee Ritenour
Lee Ritenour
Lee Mack Ritenour is an American jazz guitarist who has recorded over 42 albums, appeared on over 3000 sessions, and has charted over 30 instrumental and vocal contemporary jazz hits since 1976. One of his most popular songs was the smash hit, “Is It You” in 1981. Ritenour is considered to be a...
, Harvey Mason
Harvey Mason
Harvey William Mason is an American jazz drummer. He has worked with many jazz and fusion artists such as Bob James, The Brecker Brothers, Lee Ritenour, Herbie Hancock's Headhunters and almost all the Mizell Brothers productions with Donald Byrd, Johnny Hammond, Bobbi Humphrey and Gary Bartz...
, Nathan East
Nathan East
Nathan Harrell East is a jazz, R&B and rock bass player and vocalist. East holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music from the University of California, San Diego...
and Don Grusin
Don Grusin
Don Grusin , is an American songwriter, producer and keyboardist. He holds a Masters Degree in Economics from the University of Colorado and for a period of his life taught at the National Autonomous University of Mexico as well as at Foothill College, California before deciding to enter the music...
(all except Don Grusin
Don Grusin
Don Grusin , is an American songwriter, producer and keyboardist. He holds a Masters Degree in Economics from the University of Colorado and for a period of his life taught at the National Autonomous University of Mexico as well as at Foothill College, California before deciding to enter the music...
later became founding members of Fourplay
Fourplay
Fourplay is a contemporary jazz quartet in the United States. The original members of the group were Bob James , Lee Ritenour , Nathan East , and Harvey Mason . In 1997, Lee Ritenour left the group and Fourplay chose Larry Carlton as his replacement...
). Their first overseas concert was held in the United Kingdom
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
in 1983. The group has toured Europe, South America, Australia, and Southeast Asia.
In 1987, Casiopea signed to another Record Label, Polydor.
In 1989, Akira Jimbo and Tetsuo Sakurai left the band following several years of musical differences. They later formed their own duo-band, Jimsaku
Jimsaku
Jimsaku was a drums and bass duo formed by Akira Jimbo and Tetsuo Sakurai in 1990, after they left the Japanese jazz/fusion band Casiopea. They released 10 albums and one best of collection, and disbanded in 1998.-Albums:* Jimsaku * 45°C...
. For their replacement, Casiopea chose Yoshihiro Naruse (bass) and Masaaki Hiyama
Masaaki Hiyama
is a Japanese jazz drummer that participated in some of Japan's more well known fusion bands. He is a former member of Casiopea.-Biography:1979: Joined a fusion group called “Guitarist Creek”, they participated in Cross-Wind . Masaaki met Casiopea at this time. They became good friends...
(drums). They signed to yet another record label, Pioneer.
In 1993, the group once again changed its members. Noriaki Kumagai
Noriaki Kumagai
Noriaki Kumagai is a Japanese drummer and former member of Casiopea in mid 90's. Today he's formed a successful Japanese fusion band named "Trix".- External links :*...
came to replace Masaaki, and a year later, 1994, the group Signed once again to Alfa Records, but signed to Pony Canyon in the later part of the year. Then in 1997, Akira returned to Casiopea, this time as a part-time member, recording more albums and again contributing some of the compositions.
In 2000, The Group signed once again to Pioneer LDC. Only 4 years later, 2004, Pioneer LDC changed their name to Geneon Entertainment.
On August 1, 2006, Issei Noro, the group's leader, decided to freeze all activities of the band until further notice.
In 2007, Issei Noro (along with fellow Casiopea member, Akira Jimbo and several others) formed a J-Fusion group, "Inspirits". Issei Noro and Inspirits had released 2 albums since then.
In January 2009, Casiopea were involved with an album, "Tetsudou Seminar Ongakuhen", which was some music based on Minoru Mukaiya's Train Simulator Videogames. On May 27, 2009, A limited-edition box set consisting of almost all of Casiopea's albums, called "Legend of Casiopea", was released in commemoration of the group's 30th Anniversary.
Asayake
In Japanese, Asayake means Sunrise. The song was first recorded for their second album, Super FlightSuper Flight
-Personnel:CASIOPEA are*Koji Hatori - Trumpet*Toshio Araki - Trumpet*Eiji Arai - Trombone*Jake H. Conception - Alto saxophone*Takeru Maruaoka - Tenor saxophone*Shunzo Sunahara - Baritone saxophone*Tomato Strings - Strings...
(1979), then re-recorded on their fourth album, Eyes of the Mind
Eyes of the Mind
-Personnel:CASIOPEA are*Paulinho Da Costa - PercussionAll Arranged by Casiopea and Harvey Mason expect "Space Road" arranged by Kenny Mason.Synthesizer arrangements for "Magic Ray", "Black Joke" and "Take Me" by Bob James....
in 1981, and Live, for Mint Jams
Mint Jams
- Personnel :CASIOPEA are* Associate Producer - Satoshi Nakao* Engineer - Norio Yoshizawa* Assistant Engineer - Atsushi Saito* Art Direction - Toshinao Tsukui* Illustration and Design - Masao Hiruma- Release history :...
in 1982. The "Mint Jams" version is a regular favorite, and is often played as an encore number or last number. With the Bridge of the Song having Long notes, the lead guitarist (Issei Noro) has a free hand, to pump his fist for the next 1 and a half-measure of the song. The intro of this song consists often of a Rhythm-Guitar Riff. The 1995 J-Pop/Rap song, "Asayake" by Yuki Mori and MC Gaku samples the Intro Guitar riff from Casiopea's "Asayake" extensively.
Domino Line
The first recording of "Domino Line" was in Cross PointCross Point
- Personnel :CASIOPEA are- Production :* Producer - Shunsuke Miyazumi* Co-Producer - Harvey Mason* Associate Producer - Satoshi Nakao* Executive Producer - Shoro Kawazoe* Engineers - Norio Yoshizawa* Assistant Engineers - Atsushi Saito...
from 1981. Then it was performed for "Mint Jams" in a different arrangement. The "Mint Jams" version includes a part where each instrument plays a note or chord, then is followed by another in the next 16th Note, usually in this order: Drums, guitar, bass, keyboard. On "Mint Jams", This builds up to a technical and relatively long Bass Solo, followed by a drum solo. On the "Asian Dreamer" version from 1994, this break is modified to be played in different chords, times, tempos, etc. On Tetsuo Sakurai's Arrangement from "My Dear Musiclife", the song is further modified, adding a Saxophone solo.
Galactic Funk
Like Domino Line, the first recording of "Galactic Funk" was also in "Cross PointCross Point
- Personnel :CASIOPEA are- Production :* Producer - Shunsuke Miyazumi* Co-Producer - Harvey Mason* Associate Producer - Satoshi Nakao* Executive Producer - Shoro Kawazoe* Engineers - Norio Yoshizawa* Assistant Engineers - Atsushi Saito...
", featuring a solo from the Guitarist and Keyboardist, then the Drummer and Bassist trading solos. Then it was recorded with Guitarist Lee Ritenour, Pianist Dave Grusin, Drummer Harvey Mason and Bassist Nathan East on 4x4 (Four by Four)
4x4 (Casiopea album)
-Personnel:*Issei Noro – Electric guitar , Acoustic guitar , Percussion *Lee Ritenour – Electric guitar , Classical guitar , Acoustic Guitar *Minoru Mukaiya – Keyboards *Don Grusin –...
in 1982, with Both Guitarists trading solos, Both Keyboardists trading Solos, and a trade between the Bassists and Drummers collectively.
Space Road
This song was first recorded on Casiopea's debut Self-Titled Album, CasiopeaCasiopea (album)
-Personnel:CASIOPEA are*Michael Brecker - Tenor saxophone*David Sanborn - Alto saxophoneSTRINGS*"Tomato" strings-Production:*Kunihiko Murai - Executive Producer*Syoro Kawazoe - Executive Producer*Shinji Sawada - Producer...
(1979). This song is known for its Main Theme, which is repeated 4 times but modulated to an upper Minor-3rd each time. This song is usually played at the Early-to-Middle of their Live Concerts. The Live versions often include a break in which the Guitarist, Keyboardist, and Bassist play the same solo over the Chords from the Intro.
Black Joke
Like "Space Road", this song was included in CasiopeaCasiopea (album)
-Personnel:CASIOPEA are*Michael Brecker - Tenor saxophone*David Sanborn - Alto saxophoneSTRINGS*"Tomato" strings-Production:*Kunihiko Murai - Executive Producer*Syoro Kawazoe - Executive Producer*Shinji Sawada - Producer...
. Intro and ending of this song includes a lot of 16th-note-triplets in impressive unison phrases, and song to symbolize their technical aspects.
Eyes of the Mind
The first version of this song was included in Make Up CityMake Up City
All Arranged by Issei Noro,except "Reflections Of You" by Minoru Mukaiya & Issei Noro- Personnel :CASIOPEA are* Shunsuke Miyazumi - Producer* Norio Yoshizawa - Engineer* Atsushi Saito - Assistant Engineers* Kazuyuki Takimoto - Illustrator...
as "Eyes of Mind". Then, the song was released on its own album, Eyes of the mind
Eyes of the Mind
-Personnel:CASIOPEA are*Paulinho Da Costa - PercussionAll Arranged by Casiopea and Harvey Mason expect "Space Road" arranged by Kenny Mason.Synthesizer arrangements for "Magic Ray", "Black Joke" and "Take Me" by Bob James....
.
Casiopea vs. The Square
Although "Casiopea vs. The Square" was performed as a One-Off event in 2003, This extension of 2 different Jazz-Fusion bands goes back to 1993. Former Percussionist of The Square, Kiyohiko Senba, played on one of the songs from Casiopea's 1993 album, "Dramatic". A year later, Both Groups played an arrangement of The Beatles' "Get Back" on a Japanese Broadcast. 3 years after that, Casiopea, T-Square and Jimsaku played at Tokyo Jam 1997, with the same song. In 2003, Both Groups played (with some of the players replaced), at the event called Casiopea vs. The Square. Both Groups still have somewhat of an alliance, seeing as Casiopea's 1993 - 1997 drummer, Noriaki Kumagai and Former T-Square Bassist, Mitsuru Sutoh are both in TRIX. And Sax player Takeshi Itoh performed with Casiopea's Keyboardist, Minoru Mukaiya in 2006.Ottottrio
In 1987, T-Square's Guitarist Masahiro Andoh, and T-Square's Drummer Hiroyuki Noritake, had met Issei Noro (guitarist of Casiopea) and current KORENOS guitarist Hirokuni Korekata, and created a Supergroup called Ottottrio, and added in keyboardists Chizuko Yoshihiro and Shotoku Sasaji, and Bassist Chiharu Mikuzuki to make the band whole. The group released 3 albums, 2 in 1988 and one called "Triptych" 10 years later. 9 years before releasing "Triptytch", Ottottrio performed on "The Super Fusion" in 1989, with all members of T-Square and Casiopea, respectively, as well as Ottottrio's aforementioned backing band.Synchronized DNA
In 2005, Casiopea Drummer, Akira Jimbo and T-Square Drummer, Hiroyuki Noritake, had a Drum Duo called "Synchronized DNA", who also played a concert with Casiopea, released as a CD called "Signal" and a DVD called "Casiopea + Sync DNA: 5 Stars Live".Inspirits
Issei Noro and Akira Jimbo, along with Pianist Kent Ohgiya, Keyboardist Ryo Hayashi and Bassist Yuji Yajima, are all members of Noro's Band, "Inspirits", whom Noro has performed with since 2008. As of December 2, 2009, They've released 2 Albums.Pegasus
In 2009, A director from Tetsuo Sakurai's record company suggested Sakurai to make his 30th anniversary album, released as "My Dear Musiclife". Sakurai accepted his idea but the director asked him to record "Domino Line" in it, as he played that song as Casiopea's Bassist (throughout 1979 to 1990). Sakurai asked the writer of that song, Issei Noro, for permission. Noro answered OK but he said he wouldn't take part in recording. Instead, Noro and Sakurai recorded a new song in Acoustic Arrangement.The song was called "Mirage" and the album is called "My Dear Musiclife", and it was released on Sept. 9, 2009.
Since then, Noro and Sakurai have been on a Domestic Club tour as Pegasus called the "Nice to Meet you" tour.
Guitar
- Issei Noro (1976–2006)
- The only member of Casiopea that wasn't replaced, and the current leader of the band "Inspirits".
Keyboards
- Hidehiko Koike (1976–1977)
- Played with Casiopea in their first small-time gigs, but left the group (maybe) after Casiopea played in Yamaha's Music contest, "East/West '77". He never played an album with Casiopea, and he never was heard from again until Casiopea's 20th Anniversary in 1999.
- Minoru Mukaiya (1977–2006)
- Though Minoru Mukaiya was the replacement keyboardist of Hidehiko Koike, he is considered Casiopea's Original Keyboardist, since Koike never recorded an album with Casiopea. Since 1985, Minoru Mukaiya has been the Chief Executive Officer of Ongakukan, a company which was originally for recording equipment, but now makes Videogames (Mostly Train-Simulators). In 1993, A Japanese Macintosh game was released and made by Ongakukan, called "Touch the Music with Casiopea". Most likely, the sound director and music sequencer was Minoru Mukaiya himself.
Bass
- Tetsuo Sakurai (1976–1989)
- Casiopea's original Bassist. He and Akira Jimbo left in 1989 to form the Drum/Bass duo known as Jimsaku (the name is a combination of both member's names, as in "Jimbo and Sakurai". Also, Tetsuo Sakurai is one-half of the Acoustic Guitar and Bass duo, "Pegasus", alongside guitarist Issei Noro.
- Yoshihiro Naruse (1990–2006)
- Known to his fans as "Narucho", The only Casiopea member to have an established Solo career before joining the band. Naruse was one of the Judges at "East/West '77". There's a story going around that when Casiopea (Noro, Sakurai, Koike and Sasaki) showed up to East/West 1977, Naruse called for an Encore, but the group didn't have another song to play. On one of his first solo albums, "Bass Bawl", Naruse featured Casiopea's Original bassist, Tetsuo Sakurai, on a song called "Captain Chaos".
Drums
- Takashi Sasaki (1976–1979)
- Casiopea's original drummer. He left the group, because he was used to playing complicated rhythms, and Casiopea's sound was too smooth for his style.
- Akira Jimbo (1980–1989, 1997 (Part Time)-2006)
- Jimbo was Casiopea's best known drummer. He and Tetsuo Sakurai left the group to perform with "Jimsaku". He returned in 1997 and stayed almost a decade more as a Casiopea drummer. He is currently the drummer for Issei Noro's backing band, "Inspirits", and for the Nettai Tropical Jazz Big Band.
- Masaaki Hiyama (1990–1993)
- Joined the group and replaced Akira Jimbo. He was kicked from the group due to medical problems caused by smoking. Before he could recover, he was replaced by Noriaki Kumagai.
- Noriaki Kumagai (1993–1997)
- Replaced Masaaki Hiyama and played as a Casiopea member until 1997, when Akira Jimbo returned to the group.
- Hiroyuki Noritake (2005–2006)
- Noritake was T-Square's first long-term drummer (he played with them from 1986 to 2005). He and Jimbo met during the event called "Casiopea vs. T-Square" in 2003. The 2 played as "Synchronized DNA" on Casiopea's final original album as a Band.
Discography
- CasiopeaCasiopea (album)-Personnel:CASIOPEA are*Michael Brecker - Tenor saxophone*David Sanborn - Alto saxophoneSTRINGS*"Tomato" strings-Production:*Kunihiko Murai - Executive Producer*Syoro Kawazoe - Executive Producer*Shinji Sawada - Producer...
(1979) - Super FlightSuper Flight-Personnel:CASIOPEA are*Koji Hatori - Trumpet*Toshio Araki - Trumpet*Eiji Arai - Trombone*Jake H. Conception - Alto saxophone*Takeru Maruaoka - Tenor saxophone*Shunzo Sunahara - Baritone saxophone*Tomato Strings - Strings...
(1979) - Thunder LiveThunder LiveThunder Live is the third and first live album released by the jazz fusion group Casiopea in 1980.-Track listing:All tune arranged by Issei.-Personnel:CASIOPEA are*Syoro Kawazoe - Executive Producer...
(1980)- Drummer Takashi Sasaki leaves the band and is replaced by Akira Jimbo.
- Make Up CityMake Up CityAll Arranged by Issei Noro,except "Reflections Of You" by Minoru Mukaiya & Issei Noro- Personnel :CASIOPEA are* Shunsuke Miyazumi - Producer* Norio Yoshizawa - Engineer* Atsushi Saito - Assistant Engineers* Kazuyuki Takimoto - Illustrator...
(1980) - Eyes of the MindEyes of the Mind-Personnel:CASIOPEA are*Paulinho Da Costa - PercussionAll Arranged by Casiopea and Harvey Mason expect "Space Road" arranged by Kenny Mason.Synthesizer arrangements for "Magic Ray", "Black Joke" and "Take Me" by Bob James....
(1981)- Harvey Mason begins to be Casiopea's 1st Support Member, Producer and Composer, having played a bit on this album.
- Cross PointCross Point- Personnel :CASIOPEA are- Production :* Producer - Shunsuke Miyazumi* Co-Producer - Harvey Mason* Associate Producer - Satoshi Nakao* Executive Producer - Shoro Kawazoe* Engineers - Norio Yoshizawa* Assistant Engineers - Atsushi Saito...
(1981)- Though Harvey Mason doesn't play on this album, he did compose 1 song in it, "Any moment (We'll be one)".
- Mint JamsMint Jams- Personnel :CASIOPEA are* Associate Producer - Satoshi Nakao* Engineer - Norio Yoshizawa* Assistant Engineer - Atsushi Saito* Art Direction - Toshinao Tsukui* Illustration and Design - Masao Hiruma- Release history :...
(live) (1982)- Harvey Mason doesn't appear on this album at all.
- 4x44x4 (Casiopea album)-Personnel:*Issei Noro – Electric guitar , Acoustic guitar , Percussion *Lee Ritenour – Electric guitar , Classical guitar , Acoustic Guitar *Minoru Mukaiya – Keyboards *Don Grusin –...
(1982)- This album has 4 guest Musicians and Casiopea, a band of 4 members, hence the name, 4x4 (Four by Four).
- The other 4 musicians are drummer Harvey Mason, who, for a while, didn't record with Casiopea after this album was released, bassist Nathan East, guitarist Lee Ritenour and pianist Don Grusin.
- Except for Don Grusin, all these guest musicians would soon form a Smooth Jazz group of their own, called FourplayFourplayFourplay is a contemporary jazz quartet in the United States. The original members of the group were Bob James , Lee Ritenour , Nathan East , and Harvey Mason . In 1997, Lee Ritenour left the group and Fourplay chose Larry Carlton as his replacement...
.
- PhotographsPhotographs (Casiopea album)-Personnel:CASIOPEA are*Recording Engineer - Norio Yoshizawa*Assistant Engineer - Shinji Miyoshi*Re-mixed - Norio Yoshizawa, Issei Noro*Mastering - Mituharu Kobayashi*Art Direction - Kaoru Watanabe...
(1983) - Jive JiveJive Jive-Personnel:CASIOPEA are*Lorenza Johnson - Vocal *Guy Barker - Trumpet*Stuart Brooks - Trumpet*Phill Todo - Sax*Pete Beachill - Trombone*Richard Niles - Brass arrangement *Drachen Theaker - Tabla -Production:...
(1983) - The SoundgraphyThe Soundgraphy-Personnel:CASIOPEA are*Paulinho Da Costa - Percussion*Bob James - Keyboards*Lee Ritenour - Guitar*Don Grusin - Keyboards*Nathan East - Bass*Harvey Mason - Drums, Percussion*Kiki Dee - Vocal-Production:...
(1984) - Down UpbeatDown Upbeat-Personnel:CASIOPEA are-Production:*Produced by Shunsuke Miyazumi and Issei Noro*Engineered by Rik Pekkonen*Assisted by Warren Bruleigh*Mastered by Bernie Grundman*Digital Technicians - John Butherford, David Satz...
(1984) - HalleHalle (Casiopea album)-Personnel:CASIOPEA are*Produced by Issei Noro*Co-Produced by Shunsuke Miyazumi**Recording & Re-mix engineer: Kohji Sugimoto*Assistant Engineers: Hiroyuki "Jax" Shimura, Hironobu Asano**Designer: Toshinao Tsukui*Photographer: Koichi Inakoshi...
(1985) - Casiopea LiveCasiopea Live (Casiopea album)- Personnel :CASIOPEA are...
(1985) - Sun SunSun Sun (Casiopea album)-Personnel:CASIOPEA are*Frank Simms - Lead Vocal on "Sun"*Background Vocals on "Someone's Love" & "Conjunction" - Diva Gray, Vivian Cherry & Leatrice Griffin*Background Vocals on "Sun" & "Somethings Wrong " - Casiopea*Borneo Horns - Horns...
(1986)- Yukoh Kusonoki joined the group as a Lead Vocalist after the release of this album.
- Casiopea Perfect Live IICasiopea Perfect Live IICasiopea Perfect Live Live II is the third live album released by the jazz fusion group Casiopea in 1987.-Track listing:-Personnel:CASIOPEA are*Engineer - Kohji Sugimori, Yoshizawa Norio-Release history:...
(1987) - Funky Sound Bombers (1987; Japan-Only Release)
- PlatinumPlatinum (Casiopea album)-CD Track listing:-Personnel:CASIOPEA are*Djavan - Vocal on A4*Background Vocal on A2, A5, B1 - Cedric Samson, Dina Miller, Amanda Blue, Issei Noro, Yukoh Kusunoki*Background Vocal on A1 - Issei Noro, Yukoh Kusunoki...
(1987) - EuphonyEuphony (Casiopea album)Re-released in 2009 with "Halle" added to the track listing.-Personnel:CASIOPEA are* Executive Producer - Katsuki Hagiwara, Shinichi Toyama* Director - Koichi Nakagawa*Recording & Mixing Engineers - Koji Sugimori...
(1988)- Yukoh Kusunoki left the group.
- Casiopea World Live '88Casiopea World Live '88Casiopea World Live '88 is the fourth live album released by the jazz fusion group Casiopea in 1988. It is a Compilation Album consistent of Recordings of some of their Songs played live and in Concert during Casiopea's World Tour in 1988 that promoted their Previous Album "Euphony". It is also a...
(1988)- For the live performances on the Japanese part of their World Tour, Casiopea joined forces with 2 Funk Brass Sections, "Spectrum" (who were famous in Japan from 1978 to their break-up in 1981) and "Top Horn" (who once played a Live Version of Koizumi Kyoko's "Wink Killer", which is a Lyricized version of The SquareT-Square (band)T-Square is a Japanese jazz fusion band that was formed in 1978. They became famous in the late 70s and early 80s along with other Japanese fusion bands. Its most successful lineup included guitarist Masahiro Andoh, bassist Mitsuru Sutoh, saxophonist, flutist and EWI player Takeshi Itoh,...
's 1985 hit, "Omens of Love").
- For the live performances on the Japanese part of their World Tour, Casiopea joined forces with 2 Funk Brass Sections, "Spectrum" (who were famous in Japan from 1978 to their break-up in 1981) and "Top Horn" (who once played a Live Version of Koizumi Kyoko's "Wink Killer", which is a Lyricized version of The Square
- The PartyThe Party (Casiopea album)-DVD Track listing:-Personnel:CASIOPEA are*Project Produced - Taketsune Kubo*Recording & Mixing Engineers - Koji Sugimori*Assistant Engineers - Masashi Kudo, Yuji Kuraishi*Synclavier Operator - Kenji Takizawa...
(1990)- Bassist Tetsuo Sakurai is replaced by Yoshihiro Naruse.
- Drummer Akira Jimbo is replaced by Masaaki Hiyama.
- Both Sakurai and Jimbo would later form their own Bass/Drum duo, Jimsaku.
- Full ColorsFull Colors (Casiopea album)-Personnel:CASIOPEA are-Production:*Sound Produced - Casiopea*Recording & Mixing Engineers - Koji Sugimori*Assistant Engineers - Yuji Kuraishi, Masashi Kudo, Yasuo Nakajima, Katsumi Moriya, Kengo Katoh, Kazuyoshi Hirayama...
(1991) - ActiveActive (Casiopea album)Active is the sixteenth studio album released by the jazz fusion group Casiopea in 1992. The album was recorded in Australia, Also where Casiopea's Live Album "Made in Melbourne" was recorded....
(1992) - We Want MoreWe Want More-Time Capsule Medley's detail:-Personnel:CASIOPEA are*Supervisor - Tadashi Nomura*Artists Manager - Takashi E. Norway*Project Coordinator - Syunichi Jinyama, Kyoko Mashita*Producer - Ryoichi Okuda*Promotion Producer - Hiroharu Sato...
(1992) - DramaticDramatic (Casiopea album)-Personnel:CASIOPEA are*Producer - Kyoji Kato*Director - Hideyuki Akiyama*Associate Producer - Satoshi Nakao*Executive Producer - Shoro Kawazoe*Recording & Mixing Engineer - Koji Sugimori*Assistant Engineer - Kazuyoshi Hirayama...
(1993)- Due to Health Problems caused by smoking, drummer Masaaki Hiyama leaves the band and is replaced by Noriaki Kumagai.
- Former percussionist of The Square (hereafter known as T-Square), Kiyohiko Senba, makes an appearance on one of the tracks of this album.
- AnswersAnswers (Casiopea album)- Personnel :CASIOPEA are* Executive Producer: Yoshiaki Mizutani* Recording & Mixing Engineer - Ross Cockle* Mastering Engineer - Tohru Kotetsu* Assistant Engineer - Porter Miller* Instruments Technician - Yasushi Horiuchi, Eisuke Sasaki...
(1994) - Hearty NotesHearty Notes-Personnel:CASIOPEA are*Executive Producer: Yoshiaki Mizutani*Recording Engineer - Hiroyuki Shimura , Ross Cockle *Mixing Engineer - Hiroyuki Shimura*Mastering Engineer - Tohru Kotetsu...
(1994)- This is Casiopea's first and only Fully Acoustic album.
- Asian DreamerAsian DreamerAsian Dreamer is the twentieth studio album released by the jazz fusion group Casiopea in 1994.-Track listing:-Personnel:CASIOPEA are*Executive Producer - Yoshiaki Mizutani, Yuzo Watanabe...
(1994)- This is an album that features Casiopea playing new arrangements of their old hits. (Except for the Title track, "Asian Dreamer", which was the only new track on this album).
- FreshnessFreshness (Casiopea album)Freshness is the twenty-first studio album released by the jazz fusion group Casiopea in 1995.-Track listing:-Personnel:CASIOPEA are*Sound Produced - CASIOPEA...
(1995) - FlowersFlowers (Casiopea album)Flowers is the 22nd studio album by the jazz fusion group Casiopea, released in 1996.-Track listing:-Personnel:CASIOPEA are*Sound Produced - CASIOPEA...
(1996) - Light and ShadowsLight and Shadows-Personnel:CASIOPEA are*Executive Producer - Yuzo Watanabe*Recording Engineer - Hiroyuki Shimura, Don Murray*Assistant Engineer - Tadashi Yamaguchi, Doug Boehm*Mixing Engineer - Hiroyuki Shimura...
(1997)- Drummer Noriaki Kumagai leaves the group and is replaced by Support Member Harvey Mason in some recordings, and Former Casiopea Drummer Akira Jimbo in other recordings and live performances.
- BeBe (Casiopea album)- Personnel :CASIOPEA are* Styling - Sono Terasawa* Hair & Make up - Nobuyuki Kougo- Release history :...
(1998)- Harvey Mason left the group again.
- MaterialMaterial (Casiopea album)- Personnel :CASIOPEA are* Photography - Masumi Harada, Satoshi Yanagisawa* Hair & Make up - Nobuyuki Kohgo- Release history :...
(1999) - 20th (Casiopea's 20th Anniversary Album)20th (Casiopea album)20th is the 6th live album released by the jazz fusion group Casiopea in 2000. This is a live recording of the 20th anniversary of the Casiopea.-Track listing:-Personnel:CASIOPEA are...
(2000) - Bitter SweetBitter Sweet (Casiopea album)- Personnel :CASIOPEA are...
(2000) - Main GateMain Gate (Casiopea album)- Personnel :CASIOPEA are...
(2001) - InspireInspire (Casiopea album)-Personnel:CASIOPEA are...
(2002) - Platinum 2 (2002, Indonesia-Only Release)
- PlacesPLACES (Casiopea album)-Personnel:CASIOPEA are*Supervisor — Yoshinori Kumazawa, Masatomo Makino*Recording & Mixing Engineer — Hiroyuki Shimura*Mastering Engineer — Tohru Kotetsu...
(2003) - MarbleMARBLE (Casiopea album)- Personnel :CASIOPEA are* Assistant Engineer - Shinichi Naitoh, Makoto Okawa* Manipulator & Technician - Yasushi Horiuchi* Drums Technician - Mitsutaka Edakawa* Art Directio & Design - Ken Narikawa* Photograph - Noriko Inose- Release history :...
(2004) - Casiopea vs. T-SquareT-Square (band)T-Square is a Japanese jazz fusion band that was formed in 1978. They became famous in the late 70s and early 80s along with other Japanese fusion bands. Its most successful lineup included guitarist Masahiro Andoh, bassist Mitsuru Sutoh, saxophonist, flutist and EWI player Takeshi Itoh,...
(2004)- The first full release from Casiopea to feature more than one Band since 4x4.
- Released as both DVD and CD in 2004, Rereleased as Blu-Ray and SACD as part of the "Legend of Casiopea" box set in 2009.
- GIG 25 (Casiopea's 25th Anniversary Album)GIG25 (Casiopea album)-Personnel:CASIOPEA are...
(2005) - Casiopea and Sync DNA: 5 Stars Live! (2005)
- The first Casiopea live performance to feature both Akira Jimbo and former T-Square drummer Hiroyuki Noritake as Synchronized DNA (shortened to Sync DNA).
- SignalSignal (Casiopea album)-Personnel:CASIOPEA are-Personnel:CASIOPEA are-Personnel:CASIOPEA are:Issei Noro - Guitars:Minoru Mukaiya - keyboards:Yoshihiro Naruse - Bass:Synchronized DNA are:Akira Jimbo - Left drums:Hiroyuki Noritake - Right drums:...
(2005)- The first Casiopea studio Album to feature Sync DNA.
- The last Casiopea studio album before leader and guitarist Issei Noro decided to put the band on Hiatus (due to having a busy schedule).
- Gentle & Mellow (Best Studio Recordings Compilation Album, 2006)
- Groove & Passion (Best Live Performances Compilation Album, 2006)
- Legend of Casiopea (30th Anniversary Box Set, 2009)