Allan Holdsworth/Tokyo,Japan 1988

From the 1988 Japan tour, which was the third visit to Japan after 1984 and 1985, the performance at Roppongi Pit Inn on April 30th, the first day, was recorded with an ultra-high quality audience recording. The delicate ensemble is captured perfectly, and the three-dimensional, excellent sound with excellent separation is truly goosebump-inducing! (This tour was held from April 30th to May 4th at Roppongi Pit Inn, Nagoya ELL on May 6th, Kobe Chicken George on May 7th, and Osaka Muse Hall on May 8th.) In the previous two visits to Japan, the band was formed featuring Paul Williams’ vocals, but on this tour, the lineup was Steve Hunt (keyboards), Jimmy Johnson (bass), and Jerry Brown (drums), and the quartet was formed without a vocalist (Vinnie Colaiuta joined the North American tour), and the band style has changed to the most improvisational style that is characteristic of Holdsworth. As can be seen in “Sand (released in 1987)” Pud Wud, Distance vs. Desire, and Sand, Holdsworth’s playing has been further refined, with fast and accurate legato without picking as much as possible, and the entire album is filled with incendiary interplay! The 10-minute improvisation on the last track, which shows the band’s characteristics the most, is also a highlight, but the second half of Devil Take The Hindmost is especially amazing. Inspired by the high-speed drumming of Jerry Brown (who participated in Return to Forever’s “Music Magic” and has also backed Stevie Wonder in recent years), who only participated in the Japan tour, Holdsworth’s super thrilling high-speed solo lasting 4 minutes is a must-listen for fans and non-fans alike! Holdsworth’s further refined and powerful playing has been packaged with the ideal sound, making this a must-have item for fans! Live at Roppongi Pit Inn, Tokyo, Japan 30th April 1988 PERFECT SOUND (from Original Masters) Disc 1 (57:53) 1. Intro 2. Maid Marion 3. Funnels 4. Three Sheets to The Wind 5. Pud Wud 6. Looking Glass 7. Devil Take The Hindmost Disc 2 (57:37) 1. Whiteline 2. Letters Of Marque 3. Distance vs. Desire 4. Non-Brewed Condiment 5. Sand 6. Improvisation Allan Holdsworth – Guitars Jimmy Johnson – Bass Gerry Brown – Drums Steve Hunt – Keyboard