Vagabond Synth Nerd’s Journal Vol. 206 - Famous J-Pop Songs Using the Rhodes Electric Piano: Ryuichi Sakamoto Edition

In the previous feature on Rhodes pianos, we highlighted Hiroshi Sato, Japan's top Rhodes pianist. However, another musician we must not overlook as a Rhodes player is Ryuichi Sakamoto.

For me, the late 1970s stand out as my favorite period of Sakamoto’s career, when he worked as a studio musician supporting J-pop artists and playing the Rhodes piano alongside the ARP Odyssey synthesizer. While Hiroshi Sato brought a blues-based style to the Rhodes, Sakamoto’s playing had a refined elegance rooted in classical music.

Sakamoto is widely known as an acoustic piano virtuoso and a master of synthesizers, most notably through his work with YMO and his compositions for films such as Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence and The Revenant.

However, his role as a Rhodes piano player has rarely been spotlighted. In fact, during the late 1970s, Sakamoto was undoubtedly among the finest Rhodes players.

This time, let's explore albums and tracks where we can appreciate Ryuichi Sakamoto's remarkable Rhodes piano performances.

■ Recommended Album: Yoshitaka Minami "SOUTH OF THE BORDER" (1978)

A milestone in J-Pop, arranged by Ryuichi Sakamoto. This album features legendary contributors from the Japanese music scene, including YMO members Haruomi Hosono and Yukihiro Takahashi, as well as Shigeru Suzuki and other talents from the Tin Pan Alley circle.
Yoshitaka Minami evokes the image of an imaginary resort city through his sophisticated compositions. A key element of this world is Sakamoto's use of a polyphonic synthesizer and a Fender Rhodes piano. The sound of the Rhodes piano was an essential ingredient in crafting this refined and elegant musical landscape.

Recommended Track: "International Date Line"

A masterpiece rooted in bossa nova, with lyrics penned by Yumi Matsutoya. The track features a soothing ensemble of Shigeru Suzuki’s guitar and Ryuichi Sakamoto’s Fender Rhodes piano.
The introduction begins with Sakamoto’s Rhodes piano and Korg PS-3100 polyphonic synthesizer, transitioning seamlessly into the A section where the vocals are accompanied by distinctive Rhodes piano backing. The backing is precise and sophisticated, showcasing Sakamoto’s refined sensibilities.
From the quality of the chordal fills and obbligatos to the nuanced rhythm and timing, the track provides a glimpse into Sakamoto’s artistry. It serves as a textbook example of how to approach medium-tempo Rhodes piano backing, offering both inspiration and a masterclass in elegance.

■ Recommended Album: Tatsuro Yamashita "SPACY" (1977)

Considered by many fans as Tatsuro Yamashita's finest work, SPACY (1977) is a landmark album featuring iconic early tracks like “LOVE SPACE,” “Suteki na Gogo wa,” “CANDY,” “DANCER,” “Ienakatta Kotoba,” and “SOLID SLIDER.”
Unlike his debut album, recorded in the United States, SPACY showcases an ensemble of top-tier Japanese session musicians, including Shuichi "Ponta" Murakami, Haruomi Hosono, Tsunehide Matsuki, Hiroshi Sato, Ryuichi Sakamoto, Yukari Uehara, and Akihiro Tanaka.
Sakamoto’s Fender Rhodes piano shines throughout the album, particularly on tracks like “SOLID SLIDER,” where his performance plays a vital role in shaping the album’s sophisticated soundscape.

Recommended Track: "SOLID SLIDER"

Ryuichi Sakamoto’s performance on the Fender Rhodes piano in "SOLID SLIDER" stands out as one of his most remarkable contributions, both in backing and soloing. The Rhodes piano solo, in particular, is of such high quality that it ranks among the best keyboard solos ever recorded.
Tatsuro Yamashita mentioned that the album’s tracks were created with relatively simple arrangements to save on studio costs. For instance, Kenji Omura’s guitar solo was recorded in a single take. It’s reasonable to assume that Sakamoto’s Rhodes solo was handled in a similar manner, given the context. Yet, the solo exhibits such impeccable structure and flow that it feels almost as if it were composed and transcribed beforehand.
The backing is equally impressive. Sakamoto avoids repeating patterns, showcasing his advanced skills as a session musician even at this stage in his career. Toward the latter part of the track, there’s a delightful moment where the bass notes are audibly struck with what might be his knuckles—a playful yet highly effective touch that adds charm and enhances the song’s character. This track is a testament to Sakamoto’s genius and versatility.

■ Recommended Album: Tatsuro Yamashita IT'S A POPPIN' TIME (1978)

Due to contractual and budgetary constraints, producing a studio album was difficult at the time, so a live album was recorded in one take at Roppongi’s Pit Inn, a renowned venue for jazz fusion. Despite these challenges, the live album exceeded expectations in quality. The lineup featured Tatsuro Yamashita alongside an all-star cast, including Ryuichi Sakamoto (keyboards), Shuichi "Ponta" Murakami (drums), Tsunehide Matsuki (guitar), Akira Okazawa (bass), Eiji Toki (saxophone), and Minako Yoshida (chorus). Sakamoto handled acoustic piano, Fender Rhodes piano, and ARP Odyssey synthesizer, with extensive solo spaces emphasizing improvisation. The Rhodes piano is prominently featured throughout the album, making it a perfect showcase for those who appreciate the instrument. This album is an essential listen for fans of Sakamoto’s keyboard artistry and live performance dynamics.

Recommended Track: "SOLID SLIDER"

The live version of "SOLID SLIDER" is the same track as the one on the album SPACY, but listening to both versions side by side offers a fascinating contrast. Compared to the studio recording, the live performance starts with a looser, more organic feel. This may partly be due to differences in the rhythm section, but the progression toward the song’s peak feels more collaborative, with each player actively listening to and building upon one another’s contributions.
Ryuichi Sakamoto’s Fender Rhodes piano begins the track in tandem with Yamashita’s guitar comping, creating a stripped-down intro. As the song progresses, drums, bass, and Minako Yoshida’s chorus vocals join in, leading to a grand climax. The highlight is the rapid-fire Rhodes piano solo toward the end, where Sakamoto’s improvisation, though somewhat reliant on familiar patterns, is explosive and captivating. Such an uninhibited and dynamic performance from Sakamoto is rare, making this version a must-hear for fans.

Featured Musicians, Albums, and Recommended Tracks

• Artists: Ryuichi Sakamoto, Tatsuro Yamashita
• Albums: SOUTH OF THE BORDER, SPACY, IT'S A POPPIN' TIME
• Recommended Tracks: "International Date Line" (Hizuke Henkousen),"SOLID SLIDER"

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