[1990] Akira Jimbo / 'Palette' [Full Album]

HQ rip of one of my favorite CDs from Casiopea's drummer Akira Jimbo, one of the most solid, tight and upbeat drummers in the Japanese music scene. This is the 1990 issue released on the classic Optimism Inc label during the 80s-early 90s. "Twilight Walk" is my personal favorite jam from this one...

1. Burning Sand 00:00
2. Driftin' 04:24
3. Olivia 08:53
4. Carnaval De Rio Grande 14:29
5. Caramel Island 17:50
6. Twilight Walk 22:43
7. Our Sweet Melody 26:58
8. Lonely Star 30:33
9. Captain Banana 35:58
10. Cobalt Cruise 41:09

Yamaha Drums, Zildjian Cymbals - Akira Jimbo
Bass - Freddie Washington
Guitar - Teddy Castellucci
Keyboards - Randy Kerber, Derek Nakamoto, Gary Stockdale, Bill Meyers
Vocals - Billy Griffin, Maxi Anderson, Phyllis St. James, Fred White, Donny Gerrard, Bridgette Bryant
Horns, Brass - Clay Jenkins, Chaly Davis, Steve Holtman
Sax, Flute - Eric Marienthal
Harmonica - Hammer Smith
Acoustic Guitar - Grant Geissman
Percussion - Steve Reid, Michael Fisher
Artwork - Kunikazu Kurokawa

[petabass]

Magic and very peaceful, I like this kind of music.

[cavalos]

Amazing, as every Akira Jimbo's works!

[jeffberlin]

Akira siempre termina sorprendiéndome con sus obras de arte.Abrazos desde Lima, Perú.

[sct]

I have been searching for the name of this tune for ages! I open YouTube, see this and decide to listen. Low and behold! Thank you for posting. You made someone very happy.

[EvilTheOne]

Thanks for releasing this!
I loved Akira Jimbo's drumming ever since I heard it in the early 80's. The first time was on the 'Casiopea' album '4x4'. the reason for me getting the album was because I knew that Lee Ritenour was contributing on several of the albums tracks. This was really reminiscent of the 'Gentle Thoughts' through 'Rio' JVC album series he released in the late 70's.
The neat thing about the 'Palette' album, like a good amount of U.S. 'West Coast' influenced Japanese musicians, this album was recorded in California. Even into the 80's, many Japanese artist recorded their albums in L.A. I always found that interesting that musicians like David Foster and the Toto members would be listed on so many of those recordings/sessions.

[MigitAs]

The first track is so amazing, great album.

[maractusradio]

Thank you for your uploads, they are always a treasure to see in my subscription box

[jazzista]

This is a great classic. Great Posting Kyle! Always listen to your Saturdays The breeze program!

[BBT]

Kyle, this has to be one of your BEST uploads yet!! What an album!!! So far my favorite it Carnival De Rio Grande, a sweet song with a beautiful tones throughout.

Akira is laying down INFECTIOUS grooves and noted some notable figures in the line up.
Eric Marienthal from Chick Corea Elektric Band

Fred White on vocals, he was the drummer of Earth Wind & Fire!
His brother are Maurice & Verdine White

[theshape]

This fits in with what I want to hear right now

[gabelster]

8:53 Olivia
14:30 Carnaval de Rio Grande
17:56 Caramel Island
22:47 Twilight Walk
27:00 Our sweet melody

[paultsmith]

Great choice for a Thursday .Quite a few great musicians played on this outstanding album.

[CiroVilla]

Guest artists of note: Freddie Washington, Eric Marienthal, Steve Reid, Grant Geissman.

[fabriciusphellix]

Com certeza irei escutar logo mais na parte da tarde no carro, bom fim de semana pra todos . Dau tô helo tô Brasil

[grumblekin]

Eric Marienthal would later go on to do excellent work with Jeff Lorber...so good to hear him on this!

I got to meet Akira after a show here in Japan once. He's a really nice guy and just as upbeat as his music from what I could tell.