YAMAMOTO, KYOJI horizon SM25-5052
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Artist = YAMAMOTO, KYOJI
Title = horizon
Label = SMS
Catalog# = SM25-5052
Barcode = none
Release = JAPAN
Year = 1980
RPM = 33rpm
Disc Size = 12"
Number of Discs = 1
Mono/Stereo = stereo
9trk, bow wow, vow wow, spectrum promo sample, white label
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Let’s explore the debut solo album from legendary Japanese guitarist Kyoji Yamamoto, best known for his groundbreaking work with Bow Wow and Vow Wow. This is “Horizon,” released on SMS Records with the catalog number SM25-5052. This particular copy is a promotional sample, indicated by its white labels.
Issued on May 25, 1980, this 9-track, 12-inch vinyl LP marked Yamamoto’s first full-length step outside of his band Bow Wow. It arrived at a time when Bow Wow was exploring a more pop-oriented sound, and “Horizon” served as Yamamoto’s vehicle to pursue his own musical vision, blending hard rock, progressive rock, and crossover styles.
Produced by Yamamoto himself (alongside others), the album showcases his versatility, featuring him on guitar, keyboards, and vocals. He is backed by the exceptional rhythm section of Naoki Watanabe (bass) and Atsuo Okamoto (drums), both formerly of the band Spectrum.
The album offers a dynamic blend of instrumental and vocal tracks, allowing ample space for Yamamoto’s expressive and technically impressive guitar playing. Fan-favorite tracks include the hard, “crying” guitar of “Mars” and the hard rock groove of “Chasin’ The Shadow Of You.”
SM25-5052 is a crucial document for understanding the full scope of Kyoji Yamamoto’s musical vision early in his career. It captures his virtuosity and compositional ambition, with the promotional status of this copy adding an extra layer of rarity for collectors.