To Chi Ka

To Chi Ka is a fusion album by Kazumi Watanabe. It was recorded and mixed in March 1980 during a very prolific period for Watanabe and then released in May 1980. The album features some of the most acclaimed jazz and rock musicians; part of them will follow Watanabe in other projects, too. The album offers many improvisational tracks.

Track listing

"Liquid Fingers" 4:57
"Black Canal" 6:46
"To Chi Ka" 3:35
"Cokumo Island" 8:52
"Unicorn" 4:45
"Don't Be Silly" 5:42
"Sayonara" 5:29
"Manhattan Flu Dance" 6:03

Personnel

Kazumi Watanabe – guitars
Mike Mainieri – vibraphone
Kenny Kirkland – piano
Marcus Miller – bass
Tony Levin – fretless bass
Peter Erskine – drums
Steve Jordan – percussion
Sammy Figueroa – percussion
Warren Bernhardt – keyboards
Michael Brecker – tenor saxophone on #4

Musical style

The music of To Chi Ka reflects a fusion of jazz, rock, and traditional Japanese music. The album features a diverse range of instruments, including koto, shakuhachi, and taiko drums, as well as synthesizers and electric guitars. Watanabe's guitar work draws from both Western and Japanese musical traditions, incorporating elements of rock, jazz, and traditional Japanese music.