A playlist that shows that CITYPOP is the music of diversity

The Japanese love “Savannah band KAYO”!

"Funka-Latina” which was popular mainly in the United Kingdom ​from the late 1970s to the early 1980s, had a major impact on ​Japanese pop music

This time, I made a playlist of songs called “Savannah Band KAYO” or ​“Samba KAYO” among the “Funka-Latina” songs!

Japanese musicians are heavily influenced by Latin music, but the ​Latin elements of CITYPOP are not limited to bossa nova! Check ​out this playlist to discover the diverse Latin elements of ​“CITYPOP”!

This song was Mariya Takeuchi's memorable debut single ​released in 1978.

The song is obviously inspired by “I'll Play the Fool” by “Dr. ​Buzzard's Original Savannah Band... However, whether ​Plagiarism or Homage is a matter of opinion.

However, this song, written by Kazumi Yasui and Kazuhiko Kato, ​became the first song of the “Savannah Band KAYO,” which ​would later be produced in large numbers.

This is exactly the right song to open this playlist!

“Koi no Memory”:”Zanmai Hen” is a song from Yuko Hara's ​second original album "Miss YOKOHAMADULT YUKO HARA ​2nd" released in 1983

Yuko Hara is the only female member of the monster Japanese ​band “Southern All Stars” and wife of the band's leader “Keisuke ​Kuwata”

You don't often see “Southern All Stars” on CITYPOP Meme.

However, the songs created by “Southern All Stars” are very ​diverse, and the band has left many good CITYPOP songs ​behind.

Southern All Stars” also released a ‘Savannah Band KAYO’ style ​song called ‘Hello My Love’

And, the Savannah Band-style arrangement of Yuko Hara's “Koi ​no Memory”: “Zanmai Hen” was also done by Keisuke Kuwata

This may be a more direct homage to the Savannah Band, ​referencing “I'll Play the Fool”

Mariya Takeuchi and Yuko Hara are known to be close family ​friends

The songs of two such close friends were introduced by ​connecting them together in a mix.

“Rich Ja Nakutemo” is a song from Misato Watanabe's third ​album ‘Breath’ released in 1987

"Rich Ja Nakutemo” is a fine arrangement by Nobuyuki Shimizu ​in the style of ”ELBOW BONES & THE RACKETEERS/NIGHT IN ​NEW YORK.

Very high quality “Savannah band KAYO” that retains Misato ​Watanabe's character.

Misato Watanabe has released a lot of great CITYPOP that ​doesn't appear on CITYPOP Meme very often, so be sure to ​check out her other songs!

“80 zikan Fu-sen Ryokou (80-hour balloon trip)” is a song from ​Yoshitaka Minami's 1984 album “BŌKENŌ”

This song is also arranged by Nobuyuki Shimizu, just like “Rich ​Ja Nakutemo” above

I was surprised at how well “Savannah band KAYO” and ​Yoshitaka Minami's world view of music go together, despite the ​strong JAZZ elements in the arrangement.

The jacket design for the “BŌKENŌ” album containing this song ​was created by painter and illustrator Shigeru Komatsuzaki, who ​is well known among vinyl collectors.

Used prices for this vinyl were still affordable in the 90's, but in ​recent years prices have probably gone up!

If you find one, you're sure to buy it immediately!

"Rakuen” is a song from Junko Ohashi's 13th album ​”QUESTION"

She moved to the U.S. in 1984 and took a four-year hiatus from ​music after that.

"QUESTION” is her second album since her return.

The album contains various elements such as CITYPOP songs, ​Yacht Rock style songs, Donald Fagen homage songs, etc.

And if I focus on the credits on one's vinyl jacket.....

I knew...

Nobuyuki Shimizu's name was written there.

So, we can be sure that “Savannah Band KAYO” is his arranged ​work!

However, there is no doubt that “Rakuen” is a masterpiece of ​“Savannah Band KAYO” created with Junko Ohashi's ​overwhelming singing ability!

"Glass no Kagi” is a track from the album "Monday Morning ​Blues" released by Masatoshi Nakamura in 1984.

I believe he is the first two-way player in Japan to combine ​acting and singing at a high level and quality

The album includes the bossa nova style “Chablis no Ame”, ​“Akogare no SUMMER HOUSE” with a Motown beat, “Marude ​Kowareta JUKE BOX” with a “The Doobie Brothers/What a Fool ​Believes”-style intro, making this a great vinyl for DJs.

The highlight is the “ELBOW BONES & THE RACKETEERS/NIGHT ​IN NEW YORK”-style ”Glass no Kagi“

MON AMOUR” is a song from the album ‘MEDITERRANEE’ ​released by Tatsuhiko Yamamoto in 1985.

This album is the work of Tatsuhiko Yamamoto, a highly ​acclaimed CITYPOP artist, at the peak of his career.

The album also includes “Funka-Latina's” good song “Hi no ​youni Mizu no youni”, but I recommend “Savannah band KAYO I ​recommend “Mon Amour” by “Savannah band KAYO”!

The arrangement of this song is by Shiro Sagisu, who is highly ​regarded by CITYPOP enthusiasts!

Maria Asahina is a Japanese TV personality and painter ​(accessory designer). Her mother is the singer Izumi Yukimura. ​Born in Washington, D.C., USA. Her father is Italian-American.

Maria Asahina was an actress and model, but also released ​several records as a singer.

Those vinyls were discovered and re-evaluated by DJs during the ​rare groove movement of the 90s.

"Tonogata Gomen Asobase” has been re-evaluated by the ​‘Savannah band KAYO’ movement in recent years.

A Cool Evening” is the title track from the first solo album ‘A ​Cool Evening’ released in 1977 by Yu Imai, the keyboard player ​of Sadistic Mika Band - Sadistics.

Masayoshi Takanaka, Tsugutoshi Goto, Tateo Hayashi, Nobu ​Saito, Motoya Hamaguchi, Haruomi Hosono, Casey ​Rankin,Fujimaru Yoshino, and others performed on this superb ​recording, which also featured vocals by Haruko Kuwana, and ​others!

The album includes “Kono Karui Kanziga...”, a mellow groove ​song melting into the sound of Yu Imai's Fender Rhodes, ​“Margarita”, a tropical groove song with impressive bass and ​marimba by Haruomi Hosono, and “Natsu no Tomurai”, The ​album is a CITY POP masterpiece, with a pleasant resort-like ​sound and relaxing, relaxed grooves, including “Natsu no ​Tomurai,” a classic summer ballad with lyrics by Yukihiro ​Takahashi!

The highlight of the album is “A COOL EVENING,” a retro swingy ​pop song with a great Japanese “Savannah band KAYO” ​arrangement! The song quotes the standard “Blue Moon”!

Vinyl was expensive back in the 90's rare groove movement, but ​now that it's been reissued, it's a must have vinyl!

Gambler” is a song by Mayo Nagata from the album ‘Sexism’ ​released in 1991.

This song was written by “Kenzo Saeki” and composed by ​“Kazuhiko Kato”

In other words, this song is “Savannah band KAYO”, which was ​written by “Kazuhiko Kato” for the first time in 13 years.

However, sales were not strong,,,

After this, she released covers of folk song classics, strayed from ​the direction she wanted to go in, and quietly retired......

The next song is a cover of Elbow Bones And The Racketeers/A ​Night In New York, which was the motif for “Savannah's Band ​KAYO”

Asako Toki sings.

His father, “Hidefumi Toki” is a legendary saxophonist who has ​played saxophone for many CITYPOP musicians, including ​Tatsuro Yamashita, Junko Ohashi, Mariya Takeuchi, and Kingo ​Hamada.etc

A Night In New York, sung by Asako Toki, is faithful to the ​original song, but with a modern groove that makes for a ​pleasant sound.

“Mahou no Carpet” is a song from Meiko Nakahara's 1984 ​landmark album “Lotos no Kazitsu”

This is one of Meiko Nakahara's most popular albums among ​Citypop fans and is highly acclaimed as a CITYPOP masterpiece

The hit single “Kimitachi Kiwi, Papaya, Mango,Dane” from the ​famous Japanese funka-Latina song, which was used as the ​summer campaign song for Kanebo Cosmetics.

The sound of steel pan increases the tropical level of the song, ​“Rothos no Kazitsu” like Stevie Wonder's “ANOTHER STAR”

The summer feelin' CITY POP “Melancholy TEA TIME” features a ​Young-Holt Unlimited “SOULFUL STRUT”-style horn ​arrangement.

"Cloudy na Gogo” is a superb urban mid-groove with a seaside ​breeze.

And the highlight of the album, “Mahou no Carpet,” a free soul ​scene favorite based on ELBOW BONES & THE RACKETEERS' ​“NIGHT IN NEW YORK,” is also featured on the album.

If you don't have it yet, this is the vinyl to get as soon as you find ​it!

Agnes Lam came to Japan from Hawaii in 1975 and captivated ​men all over Japan with her innocent face and excellent ​proportions.

“Moonlight Bay” is from the second album ‘With Love Sayonara ​wa Iwanai’ released in 1978

.The song was written by Kazumi Yasui and Kazuhiko Kato, ​which explains why it is called “Savannah band KAYO”(Kazuhiko ​Kato was devoted to the sound of Dr Buzzard's Original ​Savannah Band at this time)

The song is also well-known as a CITYPOP classic, and that's due ​to the skills of arranger Ryuichi Sakamoto! (The chorus ​arrangement was done by Tatsuro Yamashita, and there is a ​rumor that he also participated in the chorus, but I do not know if ​it is true or not,)

Miki Asakura is best known as the singer who covered Irene ​Cara's “What a Feeling - Flashdance” and Bonnie Tyler's ​“Holding Out for a Hero”(Theme song for Daiei dramas ​“Stewardess Story” and “School☆Wars")

Her 4th album “HIP CITY” released in 1983 is a hidden ​masterpiece of CITYPOP

Composed by Kazuhiko Kato, Kenji Omura, and Taeko Onuki.

The backing musicians are Murakami PONTA Shuichi, Yasuo ​Tomikura, Pecker, Nobuyuki Shimizu, EPO, Taeko Onuki, and ​others in the chorus

“FORUM”, ‘TIME SLIP’, ‘SOMEDAY’, are CITYPOP classics.

The highlight of the album is “Tropicana Paradise”, the best of ​“Savannah band KAYO”

Of course, this song was arranged by Nobuyuki Shimizu, the ​maestro of “Savannah Band KAYO”

“Casanova L” is a song from Hiromi Iwasaki's 17th original ​album ‘Wagamama’ released in 1986

Hiromi Iwasaki is the muse of CITYPOP fans, and her past vinyls ​are still being rediscovered one after another

“Casanova L”

Songwriting by Etsuko Yamakawa, performance by Aoyama&Ito

It will surely be the best Song!

I was surprised at how well Hiromi Iwasaki's voice went with ​“Savannah band KAYO”

This album is a DJ must.

City Pop fans around the world will be looking for this extremely ​rare disc with search for it desperately

Rare 7-inch “”Yu-gure Girl“” released in 2011 by microstar, a ​duo consisting of Seiki Sato (ex-Nice Music) and P-Chan (Yuko ​Iizumi) on vocals and bass.

Savannah band-style city pop of perfection that vividly colors the ​urban dusk.

This is a miraculous record released by Microstar after a long ​and unfortunate absence since its formation in 1996

CITYPOP fans and DJs should get the reissue before it's gone!

Mai” was a promo girl at the legendary upscale disco ​‘MAHARAJA’ in Japan.

She debuted as a singer in 1987.

Her debut single was “SHOW ME/TAKE ME FOR A LOVE (A ​NIGHT IN NEW YORK)

Side-A features the Japanese version of the Cover Girls' 1987 ​international hit Latin disco classic “Show Me

Side-B features “Take Me For A Love,” a Japanese translation of ​Elbow Bones & The Racketeers' 1983 song “A Night In New York.

Both sides are arranged by Shoji Namba, who also worked with ​ARAGON and T-SQUARE as a keyboardist. The arrangements are ​jazzy, profound, and precise without losing the gorgeousness of ​the original songs.

Kyoko Endo made her debut in 1981 with the single “Kokuhaku ​Telephone” written by Kyohei Tsutumi.

Since then, she has been active as a singer/songwriter of her ​own compositions, a songwriter, and an actress.

The song introduced here is “Giniro no Natsu” from the B-side of ​“Kagayakitaino” which was released as the theme song for a TV ​drama.

The lyrics and music were written by Kyoko Endo herself; the ​sound production and arrangement for the album was done by ​“Akira Inoue,” but the sound production and arrangement for the ​single was done by Shigeru Suzuki.

The sound of this single-only version is different from the album ​version, boldly quoting ELBOW BONES & THE RACKETEERS' ​“NIGHT IN NEW YORK” in the funkalatina line of the Savannah ​Band and Kid Creole style that dominated the scene at that time. ​The BPM is much higher than the LP, and the sound of stale ​drums and acoustic guitars are cool, making it a danceable ​summer tropical disco dancer.

“Oyome Samba” is the 38th single by Hiromi Go, released in ​1981.

The song has samba in the title, but the tune is not samba.

This was common in Japanese kayo-pop, while the Latin-tinged ​songs were called "samba kayo"

Now let me lead you into the wonderful world of Japanese ​samba KAYO!

“Sexy You” is the 33rd single by Hiromi Goh, released in 1980.

It is a cover of “Monroe Walk” released by Yoshitaka Minami in ​1979.

Most of the lyrics of the first verse of the original song were ​used, but the second verse and onward were newly written. The ​title was changed by the record company because the Hiromi ​Go's fan base would not know the origin of the term “Monroe ​Walk".

Etsuko Raiu, who wrote the lyrics, was said to be angry at the ​change...

“Dakishimete TONIGHT” is Toshihiko Tahara's 32nd single, ​released in 1988.

The song was used as the theme song for the Fuji Television ​drama “Teacher Binbin Monogatari” in which Tahara himself ​starred.

Composed by “Kyouhei Tsutsumi

This song is the quintessence of “Kyouhei Samba”!!!

“Gomenyo Namida” is Toshihiko Tahara's 35th single, released ​in 1989.

Released as the second single to commemorate the 10th ​anniversary of his debut, it was used as the theme song for the ​Fuji Television drama “Teacher Binbin Monogatari II” starring ​Tahara himself, and was later used as the commercial song for ​Suntory's “Cidre”.

For many years, I had assumed that this song was composed by ​“Kyouhei Tsutsumi”.....

“Gomenyo Namida”

Lyrics by Goro Matsui

Composed by Takashi Tsushimi

Sailing Love is a single by Shigeru Matsuzaki released in 1979.

Cut from the album “MATSU FOR SALE. The lyrics were written ​by Toyohisa Araki and composed by Koji Makaino. Arranged by ​Norio Maeda, a jazz pianist who has composed and arranged ​many works.

The intro starts with a percussive disco break, followed by an ​exhilarating and melancholy samba - Latin disco song classic.!!!

This is the only song on the album that can be used for DJ play, ​and it is probably best to get it as a single, as the SE at the ​beginning has been cut out, making it easier to use as a single!

Debut song by Santa Clara, a male-female unit known as “Ike & ​Tina Turner of Japan” in 1980!

A deep and upper funky disco song that is a standard Japanese ​floor killer that opens with a Latin-flavored percussion break and ​takes the floor to the maximum tension!

The vinyl jacket of this unexplainable visual concept is sure to ​inspire collectors to collect!!!

In this issue, we have introduced some great songs by “Savannah Band KAYO” and ​“Samba KAYO”

There are still many songs that we could not introduce in this list, so we hope to upload ​mixes from time to time.

If you find a song that interests you, please add this page to your bookmarks and listen to ​it later at your leisure.

We hope this playlist will help you in your knowledge of CITYPOP.