CASIOPEA's best album "Early Alfa Years", released in April 2012, is considered an exceptional hit among the best albums by instrumental bands released recently. The reason for this is not only the excellent song selection, but also the outstanding sound quality of the original master tapes from Alpha Records, which were kept at the gates of the city until then and brought to Sony Music Studios (Nogizaka) for careful re-mastering. This collection of gems from Cassiopeia's live performances, featuring four songs each from their three classic live albums from the Alpha Records era: "Thunder Live", "Mint Jams" and "Cassiopeia Live". Of course, the original master tapes were again brought to Sony Music Studios in full collaboration with Alpha Records for a high-quality HiRes mastering.

Two wonderful groups, great music, fusion from Japan. 2 bass players, 2 drummers, 2 guitarists, 2 keyboardists, and a sax player.

Casiopea, also known as Casiopea 3rd (カシオペア Kashiopea, derived from the name of the constellation Cassiopeia), is a Japanese jazz fusion band formed in 1976 by guitarist Issei Noro, bassist Tetsuo Sakurai, and keyboardist Hidehiko Koike. In 1977, keyboardist Minoru Mukaiya and drummer Takashi Sasaki joined, leaving out Hidehiko. They recorded their debut album Casiopea (1979) with guest appearances by American jazz musicians Randy Brecker, Michael Brecker, and David Sanborn. In 1980, Sasaki was replaced by Akira Jimbo. Casiopea has released over 30 albums in Japan and around the world.

Casiopea, also known as Casiopea 3rd (カシオペア Kashiopea, derived from the name of the constellation Cassiopeia), is a Japanese jazz fusion band formed in 1976 by guitarist Issei Noro, bassist Tetsuo Sakurai, and keyboardist Hidehiko Koike…

Featuring Abraham Laboriel, Russell Ferrante & Patrice Rushen.
Akira Jimbo is a Japanese musician who combines electronic drum technology and acoustic drums. Aside from his solo work, he is the drummer for the Japanese jazz fusion band Casiopea and has participated in side projects with Keiko Matsui, Shambara, and Brian Bromberg. One aspect of Jimbo's drumming is the setup of his drums. Using Yamaha drums and Zildjian cymbals with Yamaha electronic drum triggers, Jimbo is able to create an array of different sounds. He points out that his mounted toms are aligned perfectly so that no one drum is lower or higher than the other, a method he applies to the floor toms as well.

Akira Jimbo is a Japanese musician who combines electronic drum technology and acoustic drums. Aside from his solo work, he is the drummer for the Japanese jazz fusion band Casiopea and has participated in side projects with Keiko Matsui, Shambara, and Brian Bromberg. One aspect of Jimbo's drumming is the setup of his drums. Using Yamaha drums and Zildjian cymbals with Yamaha electronic drum triggers, Jimbo is able to create an array of different sounds. He points out that his mounted toms are aligned perfectly so that no one drum is lower or higher than the other, a method he applies to the floor toms as well.

Casiopea is a Japanese jazz fusion band formed in 1976 by guitarist Issei Noro, bassist Tetsuo Sakurai, and keyboardist Hidehiko Koike. In 1977, keyboardist Minoru Mukaiya and drummer Takashi Sasaki joined, leaving out Hidehiko. They recorded their debut album "Casiopea" (1979) with guest appearances by American jazz musicians Randy Brecker, Michael Brecker, and David Sanborn. In 1980, Sasaki was replaced by Akira Jimbo. Casiopea has released over 30 albums in Japan and around the world. "Euphony" is the 18th album.

Casiopea is a Japanese jazz fusion band formed in 1976 by guitarist Issei Noro, bassist Tetsuo Sakurai, and keyboardist Hidehiko Koike. In 1977, keyboardist Minoru Mukaiya and drummer Takashi Sasaki joined, leaving out Hidehiko. They recorded their debut album "Casiopea" (1979) with guest appearances by American jazz musicians Randy Brecker, Michael Brecker, and David Sanborn. In 1980, Sasaki was replaced by Akira Jimbo. Casiopea has released over 30 albums in Japan and around the world. "Platinum" is the 17th album. The album featured a cover of "Bridge Over Troubled Water" - a song originally written by Paul Simon.