SO-DAYONE !

[Machine Translation] The catchphrase is SO-DAYONE!" A refreshing, intricate, and technical J-Fusion performance from three legendary musicians! The Katsushika Trio, featuring three founding members of the legendary fusion band Cassiopeia." They have completed a refreshing and powerful new album that marks a return to the roots of classic J-Fusion, which has been gaining renewed attention in recent years, particularly among young listeners overseas. The inspiration for the title came from an incident at a concert. During the post-performance MC, as the members and fans shared the sentiment that J-Fusion really is great, isn t it?", the phrase SO-DAYONE! (That s right!)" was born. Production was led by Minoru Mukaiya, who drew inspiration from this phrase, and the album s framework was established in a short period of time. For this album, the group adopted a method of recording each part individually in their respective performance environments. By meticulously constructing each part, they ve achieved the precise arrangements characteristic of fusion, along with a solid ensemble that highlights the three members distinct personalities. The album features tracks that fully showcase the charm of the Katsushika Trio, including the high-energy Twilight Run," the title track SO-DAYONE!" with its memorable, lively guitar cuts, and Cobalt Express," which unfolds as a thrilling high-speed fusion piece. Furthermore, Paris-Nice," provided by Kunihiko Murai who is like a mentor to the members adds a touch of sophistication to the album with its refined, beautiful melody. From a sound reminiscent of city pop to melodic mid-tempo numbers and technical, funky playing, this album showcases a diverse range of musical styles. It is the Katsushika Trio s fourth original album, a labor of love that brings the appeal of J-Fusion to life in the modern era.

合言葉は「SO-DAYONE !」。伝説の3人が放つ、爽快・緻密・テクニカルなJ-Fusion! 伝説的フュージョンバンド「カシオペア」の初期メンバー3人による、かつしかトリオ。近年、海外の若いリスナーを中心に再び注目を集めるJ-Fusionの王道へと原点回帰した、爽快かつパワフルなニューアルバムが完成。タイトルのきっかけとなったのは、あるコンサートでの出来事。演奏後のMCで、メンバーとファンが「やっぱりJ-Fusionは良いよね」という思いを分かち合うなかで生まれた言葉が、「SO-DAYONE ! (そうだよね!)」だった。この言葉から着想を得た向谷実を中心に制作が進められ、短期間でアルバムの骨格が作り上げられた。今作では、それぞれの演奏環境で個別にレコーディングを行う手法を採用。各パートを緻密に構築することで、フュージョンならではの精密なアレンジと、3人の個性が際立つ強固なアンサンブルを実現している。疾走感あふれる「Twilight Run」、軽快なカッティングが印象的なタイトル曲「SO-DAYONE !」、スリリングなハイスピード・フュージョンを展開する「Cobalt Express」など、かつしかトリオの魅力を存分に味わえる楽曲を収録。さらに、メンバーにとって恩師ともいえる村井邦彦から提供された「Paris-Nice」では、洗練された美しいメロディがアルバムに上質な彩りを添える。シティポップを想起させるサウンド、メロディアスなミディアムナンバー、テクニカルでファンキーなプレイまで、多彩な音楽性を収めた一枚。J-Fusionの魅力を現代に響かせる、かつしかトリオ渾身の4枚目のオリジナルアルバム。