Tak's Solo Album "HANA" Released Internationally FAVORED NATIONS DELIVERS JAPANESE DELICACY OF TAK MATSUMOTO

New York, NY - Known as one of the greatest guitarists to come out of Asia, and equally revered as the principle songwriter, guitarist and producer of Japanese rock band B’z, Tak Matsumoto has little to prove in the East about his musical abilities. Leave it to Steve Vai to introduce the phenom to the Western hemisphere when he issues the domestic release of Tak Matsumoto’s Hana through Favored Nations on February 25th, 2003.

Steve Vai, President and CEO of Favored Nations, says of Tak, “His choice of melody notes are lush and fulfilling, a truly musical person.” Tak’s work with B’z has made them the best-selling band in Japanese history, having sold over 80 million units over their 12 album career. Matsumoto also sits at the limited table of prestige with legends Jimmy Page, Joe Perry, Ace Frehley and Slash to become the fifth guitarist in the world to have his own Gibson U.S.A. signature model, the "Tak Matsumoto Les Paul".

Left to right 1. Tak Matsumoto Les Paul (prototype) in Canary Yellow 2. Tak Matsumoto Les Paul in Yellow 3. Tak Matsumoto Les Paul 'Tak Burst' in Cherry Sunburst

Hana also features a bonus track “Trinity,” (theme song of F-1 racing program, taken from his mini-album "Dragon From The West") and a video. The album was produced and written by Tak along with a special interpretation of “Romeo & Juliet,” which was mixed by Steve Vai. Steve also mixed the track “#1090 Asian Sun.”

“This track has one of the most inspired instrumental guitar melodies in existence,” says Vai. “It has a way of getting directly to the soul.”

Hana marks Tak’s debut in the US and has garnered rave reviews in Japan for its flowing melodies evocative of scenic horizons of the Orient. The tranquil sounds of Hana are reminiscent of early Jeff Beck with hints of obvious Japanese influence. Favored Nations will bring Tak Matsumoto and his release Hana to the US on February 25th, 2003.

Original article from Kayos Production

For more Tak's guitars, please go to B'z Official site
Tak's Site in Favoured Nation Official Website