Uli Jon Roth/Tokyo,Japan 1.24.2019

Even on their Japan tour to celebrate their 50th career anniversary, the acoustic night only happened on one night. The best live album is now available. The special night was the “January 24, 2019: Kanda Myojin Hall” performance. This is a full audience recording. This week, Electric Show’s masterpiece “OSAKA 2019” will be released at the same time, so let’s organize it by schedule first. ・January 21: Nakano Sunplaza ・January 22: Nagoya Diamond Hall ・January 23: Shinsaibashi BIGCAT “OSAKA 2019” ・January 24: Kanda Myojin Hall [This work] A total of 4 performances. It seemed a bit daring for Uri, who is now 64 years old, to do it for four days in a row, including travel, but he completed it without any problems. The Kanda performance of this work was the final day of the concert. This work records a very special show, and the sound is also special. This is the original master of this work that was given to me by the recording artist himself, but the delicate acoustic sound is just beautiful. The setting of the shrine precincts has a very spiritual feel to it, and is perfect for acoustic music. Of course, a loud and distant sound would be ruinous, but this work is actually the opposite. It seems that the position was right next to the PA, and although the sound of the venue was spreading behind the back of the head, the core was close to straight. Its core is truly thick and strong, and even the smallest details are vivid. It is majestic but not ornate, simple yet elegant. It is a beautiful recording where you can feel the acoustic tune with your whole body. And the show drawn with that sound is wonderful. The first 25 minutes are two consecutive solo performances by Uri, “Awakening The Dragon” and “Passage To India.” On this day, he is using an 8-string sky guitar “SUNSET SKY” with a classical guitar tone, and his beautiful sound is on full display. Moreover, not only the sound but also the melody that is spun is amazing. Even the flamenco guitar-like cutting jumps out, creating a dreamy yet passionate sound. Although it is not rock-like, this strong beat feeling is the complete opposite of “acoustic = monotonous”. Uri may have an image of being far removed from the world, but at its root there is an expression of straightforward passion. That’s why it captures the hearts of rock fans and doesn’t let go…it’s a masterpiece that makes you realize that even more. From the third song, “Mediterranean Sundance,” the band joined in, and the stage became even more exciting. However, even though it is a band, it is drumless. It consists of 3 guitars and 1 bass. Speaking of that thrilling thing! “Mediterranean Sundance” is part of Al Di Meola’s repertoire, and the ensemble is amazing, reminiscent of the transcendent trio he played with the flamenco guitar great Paco de Lucía and the virtuoso John McLaughlin. And, with that tension, originals such as “Fire Wind” and “They Need A Million” (both only on this day!) will be played. What you notice here is that even the vocals are amazing. Of course, Uri also sings, but the main actors are Niklas Thalmann on guitar and Simon Foster on bass. In other electric performances, Phil What’s more, Michael Flexig even appears in the following songs, “Don’t Tell The Wind” and “Starlight”! That legendary singing voice pierces through the thick chorus. It felt rough on the electric day, but perhaps because it was acoustic, the voice on this day was so beautiful that it reminded me of the past. It’s natural that the audience would be looking for guitars since it was a popular show, but I honestly didn’t expect to be treated to such wonderful vocalizations. Speaking of guests, let’s not forget Uli’s beloved daughter Akasha. Corvin Byrne, who played keyboards for other performances, left earlier due to other work, and she took his place. She appeared in the chorus when she came to Japan about 10 years ago, but she was still a young girl at that time. To think that she would grow up to be a beautiful woman who resembles her mother, and even participate in the performances… Although she is only a guest and does not show off her overwhelming technique, her presence itself excites the venue, and the enthusiasm feeds back into the performance. Such joy can be thoroughly felt in this live album. And the highlight of the show is the SCORPIONS rush. Niklas, who sings the main part, sings very well. The delicate singing voice stands out against the acoustic ensemble. It’s so beautiful that I’m actually glad they canceled (sorry!), considering that Doogie White, who was originally scheduled to participate, might have been too powerful. And, in this part of the Scorpion group, “Kojo no Tsuki” also appears. Here, he sings in Japanese, leading to a huge chorus from the audience. The world of “TOKYO TAPES”, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary, will be revived all at once. The set ended with Jimi Hendrix’s “All Along The Watchtower”, and the encore was the Beatles cover “Yesterday” and “Send Me An Angel”. Simon is the main singer of “Yesterday”. He’s also very clever. The beauty and power of the singing voice, which grew steadily and echoed throughout the venue… During this visit to Japan, Phil Then, Flexig reappears with “Send Me An Angel”, which brings the show to a close. I thought it was a special performance to look forward to, but the guitar and vocals were overwhelmingly beautiful. This is a complete recording of an acoustic night with a wonderful sound that is more than just a bonus. Live at Kanda Myoujin Hall, Tokyo, Japan 24th January 2019 TRULY PERFECT SOUND(from Original Masters) Disc 1 (60:28) 1. Intro 2. Awakening The Dragon 3. Passage To India 4. Mediterranean Sundance 5. Fire Wind 6. They Need A Million 7. Don’t Tell The Wind Disc 2 (63:07) 1. MC 2. Starlight 3. We’ll Burn The Sky 4. In Trance 5. The Sails Of Charon 6. Kojo No Tsuki 7. All Along The Watchtower 8. Yesterday 9. Send Me An Angel Uli Jon Roth – Guitar, Vocals Niklas Turmann – Guitar, Vocals David Kloskinski – Guitar Simon Foster – Bass, Vocals Michael Flexig – Vocals Akasha Dawn Roth – keyboards