Fusion Guitar Special is a meeting of minds and strings, bringing together the virtuosic talents of Kenji Omura, Kazumi Watanabe, and Lee Ritenour. This album serves as a fascinating cross-cultural conversation, with each guitarist bringing their own distinct voice and approach to the fusion genre. Watanabe and Omura, both pillars of Japan’s jazz-fusion movement, intertwine seamlessly with Ritenour’s West Coast sophistication, resulting in a collection that’s as technically dazzling as it is emotionally resonant. The interplay here is more than a showcase of skill—it’s a dialogue about possibilities, where improvisation and melodic invention keep every track feeling alive and unpredictable. For collectors and fans of boundary-defying guitar work, this album stands as a testament to the global language of music in the late 20th century. Every listen reveals new details, whether it’s a subtle harmonic shift or a rhythmic twist. Fusion Guitar Special isn’t just a snapshot of a moment in time; it’s an invitation to experience the genre at its most inventive. This is a must-have for anyone seeking to expand their musical horizons beyond the familiar.
Track List:
A1 - Sugar Loaf Express - 6:35
A2 - Yumedono - 4:58
A3 - Waltz For Sweet - 3:53
A4 - I Never Was A Cowboy - 5:12
B1 - Left-Handed Woman - 5:00
B2 - "Q" - 3:55
B3 - Boston Flight - 4:54
B4 - Tighten Up - 5:24