Vagabond Synth Nerd’s Journal Vol. 79 - Iconic Electric Keyboards and Legendary Synth Albums That Shaped Music

KYLYN: A Shining Star in Japanese Jazz History!

In the previous installment of the Vagabond Synth Nerd’s Journal, I covered interviews with Kazumi Watanabe and Shin'ichi Fukuda.
This time, I’m returning to the traditional format of the Vagabond Synth Nerd’s Journal and will focus on the iconic jazz fusion band KYLYN, which remains a milestone in J-Fusion history, using Kazumi Watanabe as a keyword. I’ll also explore the involvement of keyboardist Ryuichi Sakamoto, who played with the band.
KYLYN was released in 1979 under Kazumi Watanabe's name. Ryuichi Sakamoto is also credited as a co-producer.
The members were all top-tier musicians at the time.

A Formidable Lineup!

The members include Kazumi Watanabe on guitar, Ryuichi Sakamoto on acoustic piano, Fender Rhodes, and synthesizers, Akiko Yano on acoustic piano, Fender Rhodes, and ARP Odyssey, Mikio Masuda on CP-70 electric grand and Fender Rhodes, Rei Ohara on bass, Ponta Murakami on drums, Yukihiro Takahashi on drums, Peca on percussion, Shigeharu Mukai on trombone, Toshiyuki Honda on alto and soprano saxophones, and Yasuaki Shimizu on tenor saxophone.
Although Ponta Murakami has passed away, the band still boasts members who remain active at the forefront of the music scene today.

■ Recommended Album: Kazumi Watanabe - KYLYN (1979)

KYLYN released two albums, a studio debut and a live second album, before naturally disbanding.
In my personal opinion, Katsumi Watanabe's most brilliant work spanned from "Village in Bubble" to "To Chi Ka" and MOBO. Of course, all his albums are wonderful, but KYLYN stands out as a masterpiece from his most inspired period. Within the realm of J-Fusion, these two albums, KYLYN and KYLYN LIVE, shine with overwhelming presence.
This is likely because the talents of the top young musicians in Japan at the time sparked and created a chemical reaction within the band KYLYN.
They covered Miles Davis's famous "Milestones," but it's not an exaggeration to say that Miles's tune was merely the raw material for something completely different. I believe the musicians' surging energy transformed the original composition. This is what makes KYLYN so remarkable.

Recommended Track: "Milestones"

This track is a reimagining of the jazz masterpiece by Miles Davis, infused with KYLYN's unique arrangement and new phrases. In the synthesizer's improvisation section, Ryuichi Sakamoto's ARP Odyssey plays a prominent role, delivering its squelchy, distinctive sound throughout.

ARP Odyssey Synthesizer

Recommended Track: "I'll Be There"

This iconic track was provided by Ryuichi Sakamoto to the KYLYN band. Akiko Yano takes the vocals on this piece. While the main melody carries a nostalgic feel, it remains a brilliant composition. Not all of the tracks on the album are original compositions by Kazumi Watanabe; Ryuichi Sakamoto also contributed as a composer, playing a significant role in shaping the band's sound.

■ Recommended Album: Kazumi Watanabe – KYLIN LIVE (1979)

Back then, the specific term "fusion" didn't exist; it was categorized as "crossover." This technically sophisticated music, bridging rock and jazz, garnered support from progressive listeners. The KYLYN band was a prime example.
After recording the studio album KYLYN, these young jazz musicians brought forth a magnificent live album by the KYLYN band.
It was recorded at the Pit Inn in Roppongi, a venue that has seen the birth of many masterpieces, such as Tatsuro Yamashita's "It's A Poppin' Time" and Steps Ahead's live recordings. The incredible performance captured in this small live house did not disappoint expectations.
My lingering regret is that I never got to experience this band's live performance at the Pit Inn.

Recommended Track: "Inner Wind"

This is one of Katsumi Watanabe's masterpieces. The melody that forms the theme is exceptional, and it develops into a grand composition with the addition of a brass ensemble. With moments of an almost Asian flavor, it's a high-quality piece even within Watanabe's impressive repertoire.

In August 1987, the KYLYN band reunited for one show only!

Upon hearing the news that the KYLYN band would be reuniting for the Roppongi Pit Inn 10th anniversary live, I immediately bought tickets. The venue was the East Theater at Yomiuri Land. This day finally made up for my regret of never having seen KYLYN live. Almost all the original members were there.
The lineup for the anniversary live included top-tier musicians such as Orquesta del Sol and the Sadao Watanabe Band.

The Unusual Heat I First Felt at the Live Performance...

The Yomiuri Land East Theatre, before the KYLYN band took the stage, was enveloped in an unusual atmosphere. The outdoor venue was completely sold out, and the palpable excitement radiating from the crowd gave me the distinct feeling that something akin to a riot was about to break out. The surrounding atmosphere was truly extraordinary. I had never before experienced such raw human energy. It genuinely felt like something momentous was about to happen. It wasn't that anyone was planning anything; rather, the collective anticipation emanating from the crowd was almost tangible. This unusual atmosphere was unlike anything I've experienced before or since. When Katsumi Watanabe appeared and announced, "Hello everyone! KYLYN has returned after 10 years!" .The crowd erupted in thunderous applause and cheers as he launched into the intro of "Inner Wind."

Ryuichi Sakamoto's Synthesizer Sound: Rapid Digitalization in a Short Time

In "Inner Wind," Ryuichi Sakamoto favored the DX Rhodes sound—created by a Yamaha DX7-type FM synthesizer—over the Fender Rhodes electric piano. He also had a Fairlight CMI keyboard in front of him, from which he triggered the brass sounds for the song. The grainy, sampled brass sound was a hallmark of that era.

Musicians, Albums, and Recommended Tracks Featured in This Article

• Artists: Kazumi Watanabe, KYLYN
• Albums: "KYLYN", "KYLYN LIVE"
• Recommended Tracks: "Milestones","I'll Be There","Inner Wind"
• Instruments used: Yamaha DX7, Arp Odyssey, Fairlight CMI

⇨ List of Pianos / Synthesizers

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