CASIOPEA in Los Angeles

CASIOPEA is a Japanese instrumental jazz-fusion band formed in 1976 by guitarist Issei Noro and bassist Tetsuo Sakurai. Its self-titled 1979 debut featured guest appearances by Randy Brecker, Michael Brecker and David Sanborn. The band’s best-known recordings include the live album Mint Jams and compositions such as “Asayake” and “Galactic Funk.” The February 1982 concerts at Chuo Kaikan Hall were recorded for Mint Jams, which became a central title in the group’s catalogue. In 2003, CASIOPEA joined T-Square for the concert Casiopea vs. The Square at Tokyo Kosei Nenkin Kaikan. After suspending activity in 2006, the group returned to concerts in 2012 under the name CASIOPEA 3rd. CASIOPEA plays most often in Japan and has also performed in Indonesia and South Korea.