Takara (band)
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| Takara | |
|---|---|
| Origin | United States |
| Genre(s) | Hard Rock |
| Years active | 1987 - Present |
| Label(s) | Lion Music |
| Website | http://www.takararocks.com/ |
| Members | |
| Gus Monsanto Neal Grusky - Guitar Bjorn Englen - Bass Patrick Johannson - Drums Derek Sherinian- Keyboard TBA |
|
| Former members | |
| Jeff Scott Soto Michael J Flatters Gary Schutt Carl Demarco Brook Hansen Chad Clark Bob Duda |
|
Takara started out as your typical late-eighties melodic power rock band. Takara was founded by Neal Grusky, the band's guitarist, composer and producer. Because they formed in 1987, they have that “look” about them: long, teased hair; unbuttoned shirts; necklaces; etc. But they were not really a hair metal band. They had a sophistication and level of maturity that belies whatever look they were going for. It was melodic rock with insightful lyrics sung mostly about love and not about getting their rocks off. Part of this maturity used to flow from Jeff Scott Soto’s distinct emotional style.
Throughout the years Takara has frequently changed line-ups and that eighties-look has gone as well. The only band member still standing is guitarist Neal Grusky.
Contents |
[edit] Biography
[edit] 1980s - Early days
Takara was originally formed in August of 1987. After a few months of rehearsals the band made their debut in October with a show in Hollywood. With this show came the start of Takara’s career. The band proceeded to play many more shows throughout 1987-88. In November of 1988, Takara went into the studio to record their first demo with producer Jeff Scott Soto. As they entered the studio it became apparent that the current singer was not ready to record. In order to finish the new Takara demo, Soto (Talisman, Axel Rudi Pell, Journey) was asked to help out, and sing on the demo. Thus then began the relationship between the band and Jeff Scott Soto.
[edit] 1990s - The Soto era
In 1990 Takara, again with Soto producing and singing, went back into the studio to record what would eventually become their debut album ‘Eternal Faith’. Between Neal Grusky’s guitar work and Jeff’s vocals it seemed like a perfect match. In 1992 Takara regrouped and added new members that would be part of the debut album ‘Eternal Faith’. The line-up was now complete with Jeff Scott Soto on vocals, Neal Grusky on guitar, Gary Schutt on bass and Bob Duda on drums. In August of 1993 Takara was rewarded for all their hard work and sacrifice: Zero corporation (Japan) and Now and Then records (Europe) offered Takara a deal to release their 1st album ‘Eternal Faith’ in December 1993. Following this opening release, guitarist Gary Schutt took the solo path, issuing his 1993 'Sentimetal' album with Jeff Scott Soto on vocals as well.
After a short break the band began to work on what was to become their 2nd album. Right before rehearsals began, bassist Carl Demarco joined Takara and they returned to the studio to record ‘Taste of Heaven’. The band enlisted Bob Daisley (Ozzy Osbourne, Gary Moore, Rainbow) on bass for guest performances on two songs. ‘Taste of Heaven’ was released in May of 1995 by Zero corporation (Japan) and Long Island records (Europe). Upon its release ‘Taste of Heaven’ was selling so well that Long Island records brought Takara to Germany for a promo tour.
In 1996 Saraya Recordings, a new US label, asked to release ‘Eternal Faith’ and ‘Taste of Heaven’ as its first releases. For the first time Takara had a US label. The band felt that there was momentum starting to build and wasted no time in going back to work on their third release. In 1998 they released ‘Blind in Paradise’ through Zero Corp (Japan), Point Music (Europe), and Saraya recordings (US). Shortly after the release of ‘Blind in Paradise’, all of Takara's labels released ‘Eternity: Best of 93 - 98’.
[edit] 2000s - New line-up
In late 1998 the Takara line-up went through an enormous change. Two thirds of Takara had exited the band for various reasons. After the smoke cleared, all that was left was guitarist leader Neal Grusky and bassist Carl Demarco. Now the search was on to find people that shared the same ideas on music, and dedication that Neal and Carl viewed important. First came drummer Chad Clark. His addition provided a solid backbone that Takara sorely needed. Second, came long time friend and keyboardist Brook Hansen. Brook and Neal had known each other for years and always shared similar ideas on music. Finally, the last to come aboard was vocalist Michael J Flatters. By a stroke of luck Neal found Michael through a mutual friend.
With the band complete, Takara entered the studio in February of 2000 to record their 4th album. One year later : ‘Perception of Reality’ was completed. This has been their last release up until now, even though all their albums have been re-released recently.
On the official website, Neal announced that the band will start working on a new album with a new line-up once again. This will include Bjorn Englen (bass), Patrick Johannson (Drums), Derek Sherinian (keyboards) and a singer is the brazilian Gus Monsanto.
[edit] Discography
[edit] Studio albums
- 1993 - Eternal Faith
- 1995 - Taste of Heaven
- 1998 - Blind in Paradise
- 2001 - Perception of Reality
[edit] Compilations
- 1998 - Eternity: Best of 93 - 98
