The Works Of TONOBAN ~Kazuhiko Kato Works~ - Various Artists

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[2SHM-CD] Kazuhiko Kato is a one-of-a-kind musician whose pioneering innovation and musicality have influenced generations since the dawn of Japanese rock and pop music. In 1965, while still a university student, Kazuhiko Kato formed The Folk Crusaders with Osamu Kitayama and others. Their single "Yopparai ga Kaettekita" (Come Back Home) became the first million-seller on the Oricon singles chart, which launched in 1968. After The Folk Crusaders disbanded, he pursued a solo career before forming the Sadistic Mika Band in 1971. In 1975, he successfully performed in London, a groundbreaking achievement at the time. Also in 1971, he released "Ano Subarashii Ai wo Mouichido" (Ano Subarashii Ai wo Mouichido), a beloved standard that remains a favorite today, under the name "Kazuhiko Kato and Osamu Kitayama." Even after the Mika Band's disbandment, in addition to his solo career, he continued to produce and write songs for numerous artists, including Takuro Yoshida and Mariya Takeuchi.

This documentary, which will be released nationwide in May, was conceived out of the feelings that Yukihiro Takahashi had for Kazuhiko Kato during his lifetime. It features rare footage of the behind-the-scenes story of the formation of The Folk Crusaders, Japan's first million-selling hit band, as well as Sadistic Mika Band's overseas performances and recording sessions, as well as anecdotes hidden in the "Europe Trilogy," a landmark Japanese pop work.

It also features a new recording of the timeless classic "That Wonderful Love Once Again." The film showcases the song's ever-evolving story, woven together by musicians from a variety of genres.

The film was planned, directed, and produced by Hiromi Aihara, who also worked on "SUKITA: A Moment Carved by Artists" (2018) and "Onkyo House: Melody-Go-Round" (2020). "Tonovan: Musician Kazuhiko Kato and His Era" is a music documentary film about Kazuhiko Kato. This album features works by The Folk Crusaders, Sadistic Mika Band, and solo works featured in the film, as well as numerous tracks produced by Kazuhiko Kato. Going beyond the scope of a documentary soundtrack, this album compiles the legacy of this extraordinary musician. Bonus tracks include the debut of "That Wonderful Love Again - 2024 Version," recorded specifically for the film, featuring Hiroshi Takano, Ren Takada, Miu Sakamoto, Konosuke Sakazaki, and Osamu Kitayama. Also included is an extremely rare recording of Kazuhiko Kato's live performance at Kanda Kyoritsu Auditorium in April 1973.

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Kazuhiko Kato, a one-of-a-kind musician whose pioneering innovation and musicality have influenced generations since the dawn of Japanese rock and pop music, continues to influence many people today. This album features works by The Folk Crusaders, Sadistic Mika Band, and solo works, all of which appear in the film "Tonovan: Musician Kazuhiko Kato and His Era," as well as numerous tracks produced by Kazuhiko Kato. This is the first album to compile the legacy of this extraordinary musician, transcending the framework of a documentary film soundtrack. (C)RS 2SHM-CD