YAMAMOTO, KYOJI guitar man SM28-5084

Master of the Six-String: Kyoji Yamamoto’s ‘Guitar Man’ (SM28-5084)

Today we turn the spotlight onto an iconic Japanese guitarist, Kyoji Yamamoto, best known as the leader and six-string virtuoso of the legendary hard rock bands Bow Wow and Vow Wow. This entry focuses on his 1982 solo album, “Guitar Man,” released on the Eastworld label (Toshiba EMI) with the catalog number SM28-5084.

Issued during Yamamoto’s tenure with Bow Wow, this 12-inch vinyl LP offered him a platform to fully explore his distinct guitar voice outside the band context. Unlike some other guitarist solo debuts of the era that were purely instrumental, “Guitar Man” presents fully formed songs, featuring vocals (some likely handled by Yamamoto himself) alongside his central guitar work.

The album serves as a testament to Yamamoto’s versatility and songwriting skills. While his incredible guitar playing is undoubtedly the centerpiece – showcasing his signature blend of technical flair, bluesy feel, powerful hard rock riffing, and melodic sensibilities – the songs stand strongly on their own. Listeners are treated to high-quality hard rock tracks infused with his expressive guitar work, ranging from powerful anthems to potentially more nuanced, blues-influenced pieces.

SM28-5084 captures a pivotal figure in Japanese rock history stepping out on his own, demonstrating the depth of his talent beyond his groundbreaking work with Bow Wow. It’s an essential listen for fans of Yamamoto and classic Japanese hard rock guitar.