One of Japan's most acclaimed guitarists, Char, recently announced that he will be releasing a new album featuring rare live recordings from his solo band's first tour on October 28th.
Char Live 1976 will contain audio from a show held at Shinjuku Loft on December 3rd, 1976. Char's band members at the time included drummer Robert Brill, vocalist and keyboardist Jerry Margosian, bassist George Mastich and keyboardist Jun Sato. While this line-up lasted for only about six months, it is an important part of Char's history as they worked together to record his 1976 self-titled debut album.
The live album contains 12 tracks, including covers of Jeff Beck's Jeff's Boogie and The Rolling Stones' Jumpin' Jack Flash, as well as "first takes" of previously unreleased material such as Rollercoaster Baby, a song said to highlight Margosian's powerful voice.
The album will be available in two editions. The regular edition will come with a bonus Blu-ray or DVD featuring a special interview with Char and Jun Sato. Its booklet will contain rare photos and an interview-style memoir as well. The limited edition will add an additional CD featuring live audio from a show held at Kanazawa Kanko Kaikan on November 26th, 1976, the final show of the Char band's first national tour, the See Saw Scene Tour.
Teasers for the two live CDs can be listened to below.
