Kangaroo - Revision history

ActuallyTanner: /* Meeting Shakatak (1983) */

2026-03-03T18:56:14Z

Meeting Shakatak (1983)

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:56, 3 March 2026
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	In November and December of 1983, they joined Shakatak's ~~next~~ Japan tour as the opening act. Notably on this tour, they added two vocalists, Midori Fukuhara and Emi Kuwazawa. Kangaroo's set only lasted 30 minutes, and aimed to avoid a bad impression by unfamiliar Shakatak fans<ref name=":3">Jazz Life 1984-02</ref>. They used these sets to improve their stage presence and refine their craft. Behind the scenes, they spent the entire tour with Shakatak both on and off stage. Roger Odell also wrote lyrics for Gemini, but they weren't included on the album.<ref name=":3" /> The tour final at Nakano Sun Plaza was released as both a Shakatak album and laserdisc, but without any mention of Kangaroo. Magazines often covered this tour under some variation of Shakatak vs Kangaroo.		In November and December of 1983, they joined Shakatak's second Japan tour as the opening act. Notably on this tour, they added two vocalists, Midori Fukuhara and Emi Kuwazawa. Kangaroo's set only lasted 30 minutes, and aimed to avoid a bad impression by unfamiliar Shakatak fans<ref name=":3">Jazz Life 1984-02</ref>. They used these sets to improve their stage presence and refine their craft. Behind the scenes, they spent the entire tour with Shakatak both on and off stage. Roger Odell also wrote lyrics for Gemini, but they weren't included on the album.<ref name=":3" /> The tour final at Nakano Sun Plaza was released as both a Shakatak album and laserdisc, but without any mention of Kangaroo. Magazines often covered this tour under some variation of Shakatak vs Kangaroo.

	=== Visual Live (1984) ===		=== Visual Live (1984) ===

ActuallyTanner: Removed extra space at the top

2026-03-03T18:52:31Z

Removed extra space at the top

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:52, 3 March 2026
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	\| past_members = Masayuki Tanaka 田中政行<br />Yoshiaki Tsukahira 塚平喜昭<br />Akira Ninomiya 二宮朗<br />Toru (Susumu) Ohya 大矢亨<br />Shiro Yajima 矢島史郎<br />Atsushi Makiuchi 牧内淳<br />Kazuyuki Morishita 森下一幸<br />Haruhiko (Harukichi) Yamamoto 山本治彦<br />Kimiyoshi Matsumoto 松元公良<br />Toshihiko Sahashi 佐橋俊彦<br />Masayuki Muraishi 村石雅行<br />Kenichi Mitsuda 光田健一		\| past_members = Masayuki Tanaka 田中政行<br />Yoshiaki Tsukahira 塚平喜昭<br />Akira Ninomiya 二宮朗<br />Toru (Susumu) Ohya 大矢亨<br />Shiro Yajima 矢島史郎<br />Atsushi Makiuchi 牧内淳<br />Kazuyuki Morishita 森下一幸<br />Haruhiko (Harukichi) Yamamoto 山本治彦<br />Kimiyoshi Matsumoto 松元公良<br />Toshihiko Sahashi 佐橋俊彦<br />Masayuki Muraishi 村石雅行<br />Kenichi Mitsuda 光田健一
	}}		}}


	==Overview==		==Overview==

ActuallyTanner: Added overview and reworded formation and 1983, probably need more sources.

2026-03-03T18:51:34Z

Added overview and reworded formation and 1983, probably need more sources.

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:51, 3 March 2026
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	\| origin = ???, Tokyo, Japan		\| origin = ???, Tokyo, Japan
	\| genre = {{hlist\|Jazz Fusion\|}}		\| genre = {{hlist\|Jazz Fusion\|}}
	\| years_active = ~~1982–1986~~		\| years_active = 1982–1987
	\| label = {{flatlist\|		\| label = {{flatlist\|
	* Victor		* Victor
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	}}		}}

	~~Kangaroo~~

			==Overview==
			Kangaroo (カンガルー, Kangaruu) was a Japanese Jazz Fusion and later City Pop band lead by ???. They were commonly known by the infamous nickname "Japanese Shakatak". They released 4 albums with a constantly shifting style before dissolving in 1987.
	==History==		==History==
	===Formation (1982)===		===Formation (1982)===
	In ~~???~~ 1982, ~~they~~ formed, ~~based out~~ of ~~Yokohama~~. ~~They decided~~ to ~~participate~~ in ~~the~~ Yamaha ~~music contest~~ EastWest '82<ref name=":0">https://www.discogs.com/release/10402417-Various-East-West-82-Live</ref>. They played Taruikasu, written by Ikuko<ref name=":0" />. They won and were entered into ~~the followup contest~~ Light Music Contest '82~~, where they~~ played Taruikasu again.<ref name=":1">https://www.discogs.com/release/27504675-Various-Light-Music-Contest-82-Live</ref> They did not win, losing out to ~~???~~, but ~~they still were able to receive a record deal~~. Both competitions received a vinyl release,<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" /> marking the first recordings of the band.		In 1982, keyboardists Hitomi Maseki and Ikuko Aragaki, guitarist Keiichi Hidaka, bassist Toshiro Mitsuda, and drummer Masashi Hasegawa, all based in Yokohama, formed Kangaroo. At that time, Yamaha hosted music competitions that had a precedent of both competitors and winners receiving record deals and becoming accomplished artists. The new nationwide Light Music Contest served as the final contest where the best bands of all of the regional Yamaha music contests fought for a top prize at a luxurious resort in Nemu. Last year, the prize was an album recording sessionn in LA, awarded to the winners Early Byrds. So in August of 1982, Kangaroo competed in Yamaha's EastWest '82<ref name=":0">https://www.discogs.com/release/10402417-Various-East-West-82-Live</ref>. They played one song, Taruikasu, which was written by Ikuko<ref name=":0" />. They won the contest, receiving the grand prix award and two best keyboardist awards, and were entered into Light Music Contest '82. They played Taruikasu again.<ref name=":1">https://www.discogs.com/release/27504675-Various-Light-Music-Contest-82-Live</ref> They did not win the contest, losing out to fellow fusion band Olieve's Step, but Hasegawa was given the best drummer award. Both competitions received a vinyl release,<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" /> marking the first recordings of the band. Winning EastWest was their first step towards notoriety and set them up for their debut album on Victor's Invitation label.

	=== Meeting Shakatak (1983) ===		=== Meeting Shakatak (1983) ===
	In March, somehow, they opened for Shakatak's first Japan tour, but only in Tokyo and Yokohama<ref name=":2">Adlib 1983-07</ref>. For unknown reasons, their sound took quite a turn from Taruikasu. Their sound was now much closer to Shakatak, and they were dubbed "Japanese Shakatak", for better or for worse. Meeting with Shakatak also resulted in Bill Sharpe and Roger Odell writing Love the Night Away on their first album, Steppin'. At the time, they had an average age of 23<ref name=":2" />, and had a noteworthy gender split compared to other fusion bands.		In March, somehow, they opened for Shakatak's first Japan tour, but only in Tokyo and Yokohama<ref name=":2">Adlib 1983-07</ref>. For unknown reasons, their sound took quite a turn from Taruikasu. Their sound was now much closer to Shakatak, and they were dubbed "Japanese Shakatak", for better or for worse. Meeting with Shakatak also resulted in Bill Sharpe and Roger Odell writing Love the Night Away on their first album, Steppin'. At the time, they had an average age of 23<ref name=":2" />, and had a noteworthy gender split compared to other fusion bands.

	On March 10th, they started recording their first album, originally set for release in July<ref>Adlib 1983-04</ref>. While recording their first album .		On March 10th, they started recording their first album, originally set for release in July<ref>Adlib 1983-04</ref>. While recording their first album . On 1983 21 August, on Victor's Invitation label, they released their debut album, Steppin'. Steppin' was somewhat rushed, and added vocals and strings, distorting the original vision of what Kangaroo was.

	They first started appearing in live houses in MONTH.		In MONTH, They first started appearing in live houses in MONTH.

	~~After Steppin'~~, they ~~received some fanfare and stuff 👍. They opened for~~ Shakatak's next Japan tour ~~in November~~ and ~~December with a~~ 30 ~~minute set~~, ~~aiming~~ to avoid a bad impression by unfamiliar Shakatak fans<ref name=":3">Jazz Life 1984-02</ref>. The tour final at Nakano Sun Plaza was released as both an album and laserdisc, but without any mention of Kangaroo. Magazines often covered this tour under some variation of Shakatak vs Kangaroo. Notably in this tour, they added two vocalists, Midori Fukuhara and Emi Kuwazawa. This tour helped Kangaroo refine their ~~craft and prepared them for a better~~ stage presence and their ~~next album~~. ~~They also~~ spent the entire tour with Shakatak ~~even offstage~~. Roger Odell also wrote lyrics for Gemini, but they weren't included on the album.<ref name=":3" />

			In November and December of 1983, they joined Shakatak's next Japan tour as the opening act. Notably on this tour, they added two vocalists, Midori Fukuhara and Emi Kuwazawa. Kangaroo's set only lasted 30 minutes, and aimed to avoid a bad impression by unfamiliar Shakatak fans<ref name=":3">Jazz Life 1984-02</ref>. They used these sets to improve their stage presence and refine their craft. Behind the scenes, they spent the entire tour with Shakatak both on and off stage. Roger Odell also wrote lyrics for Gemini, but they weren't included on the album.<ref name=":3" /> The tour final at Nakano Sun Plaza was released as both a Shakatak album and laserdisc, but without any mention of Kangaroo. Magazines often covered this tour under some variation of Shakatak vs Kangaroo.

	=== Visual Live (1984) ===		=== Visual Live (1984) ===
	In January, right after finishing ~~the~~ tour, they went to the studio with their new vocalists and recorded Nice! Nice!! Nice!!!. Nice!^3 was later released on 1984 April 21.		In January, right after finishing their tour with Shakatak, they went to the studio with their new vocalists and recorded Nice! Nice!! Nice!!!. Nice!^3 was later released on 1984 April 21.

	Around 1984, they submitted a demo tape to Mitsubishi for their music to be used in a commercial, but they were turned down for not being famous enough despite having TV and event appearances.<ref>Kitagami: https://discord.com/channels/943690289695055932/1067674618346864741/1067699036213215242</ref>		Around 1984, they submitted a demo tape to Mitsubishi for their music to be used in a commercial, but they were turned down for not being famous enough despite having TV and event appearances.<ref>Kitagami: https://discord.com/channels/943690289695055932/1067674618346864741/1067699036213215242</ref>

ActuallyTanner: /* Discography */

2026-03-03T17:12:28Z

Discography

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:12, 3 March 2026
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	![[Nice Nice Nice (Kangaroo Album)\|Nice Nice Nice]]		![[Nice Nice Nice (Kangaroo Album)\|Nice Nice Nice]]
	\|ケンソー Ⅱ		\|ケンソー Ⅱ
	\|1984/04/21		\|1984/04/21<ref>Adlib 1984-05</ref><ref>Jazz Life 1984-05</ref>
	\|Studio Album		\|Studio Album
	\|-		\|-

ActuallyTanner: Fixed japanese ordering

2026-03-03T17:08:46Z

Fixed japanese ordering

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:08, 3 March 2026
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	}}		}}
	\| website = {{URL\|https://google.com/}}		\| website = {{URL\|https://google.com/}}
	\| current_members = Hitomi "Aja" Maseki (Keyboard) ~~柵木ひとみ~~<br />Ikuko "Ikko" Aragaki (Keyboard) ~~新垣郁子~~<br />Keiichi "Bon" Hidaka (Guitar) ~~日高恵一~~<br />Toshiro "Toshi" Mitsuda (Bass) ~~松田俊郎~~ <br />Masashi "Pochi" Hasegawa (Drums) ~~長谷川正志~~		\| current_members = Hitomi "Aja" Maseki 柵木ひとみ (Keyboard)<br />Ikuko "Ikko" Aragaki 新垣郁子 (Keyboard)<br />Keiichi "Bon" Hidaka 日高恵一 (Guitar)<br />Toshiro "Toshi" Mitsuda 松田俊郎 (Bass) <br />Masashi "Pochi" Hasegawa 長谷川正志 (Drums)
	\| past_members = Masayuki Tanaka 田中政行<br />Yoshiaki Tsukahira 塚平喜昭<br />Akira Ninomiya 二宮朗<br />Toru (Susumu) Ohya 大矢亨<br />Shiro Yajima 矢島史郎<br />Atsushi Makiuchi 牧内淳<br />Kazuyuki Morishita 森下一幸<br />Haruhiko (Harukichi) Yamamoto 山本治彦<br />Kimiyoshi Matsumoto 松元公良<br />Toshihiko Sahashi 佐橋俊彦<br />Masayuki Muraishi 村石雅行<br />Kenichi Mitsuda 光田健一		\| past_members = Masayuki Tanaka 田中政行<br />Yoshiaki Tsukahira 塚平喜昭<br />Akira Ninomiya 二宮朗<br />Toru (Susumu) Ohya 大矢亨<br />Shiro Yajima 矢島史郎<br />Atsushi Makiuchi 牧内淳<br />Kazuyuki Morishita 森下一幸<br />Haruhiko (Harukichi) Yamamoto 山本治彦<br />Kimiyoshi Matsumoto 松元公良<br />Toshihiko Sahashi 佐橋俊彦<br />Masayuki Muraishi 村石雅行<br />Kenichi Mitsuda 光田健一
	}}		}}

ActuallyTanner: This was worded horribly

2026-03-03T17:00:46Z

This was worded horribly

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:00, 3 March 2026
Line 28:		Line 28:
	They first started appearing in live houses in MONTH.		They first started appearing in live houses in MONTH.

	After Steppin', they received some fanfare and stuff 👍. They opened for Shakatak's next tour in November and December. The tour final at Nakano Sun Plaza was released as both an album and laserdisc, but without any mention of Kangaroo. Magazines often covered this tour under some variation of Shakatak vs Kangaroo. Notably in this tour, they added two vocalists, Midori Fukuhara and Emi Kuwazawa.		After Steppin', they received some fanfare and stuff 👍. They opened for Shakatak's next Japan tour in November and December with a 30 minute set, aiming to avoid a bad impression by unfamiliar Shakatak fans<ref name=":3">Jazz Life 1984-02</ref>. The tour final at Nakano Sun Plaza was released as both an album and laserdisc, but without any mention of Kangaroo. Magazines often covered this tour under some variation of Shakatak vs Kangaroo. Notably in this tour, they added two vocalists, Midori Fukuhara and Emi Kuwazawa. This tour helped Kangaroo refine their craft and prepared them for a better stage presence and their next album. They also spent the entire tour with Shakatak even offstage. Roger Odell also wrote lyrics for Gemini, but they weren't included on the album.<ref name=":3" />

	=== Visual Live (1984) ===		=== Visual Live (1984) ===

ActuallyTanner: made up names for girl 1 and girl 2

2026-02-24T17:26:41Z

made up names for girl 1 and girl 2

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:26, 24 February 2026
Line 11:		Line 11:
	}}		}}
	\| website = {{URL\|https://google.com/}}		\| website = {{URL\|https://google.com/}}
	\| current_members = Hitomi "~~Asia~~" Maseki (Keyboard) 柵木ひとみ<br />Ikuko "~~Ikuko~~" Aragaki (Keyboard) 新垣郁子<br />Keiichi "~~Hidaka~~" Hidaka (Guitar) 日高恵一<br />Toshiro "Toshi" Mitsuda (Bass) 松田俊郎 <br />Masashi "Pochi" Hasegawa (Drums) 長谷川正志		\| current_members = Hitomi "Aja" Maseki (Keyboard) 柵木ひとみ<br />Ikuko "Ikko" Aragaki (Keyboard) 新垣郁子<br />Keiichi "Bon" Hidaka (Guitar) 日高恵一<br />Toshiro "Toshi" Mitsuda (Bass) 松田俊郎 <br />Masashi "Pochi" Hasegawa (Drums) 長谷川正志
	\| past_members = Masayuki Tanaka 田中政行<br />Yoshiaki Tsukahira 塚平喜昭<br />Akira Ninomiya 二宮朗<br />Toru (Susumu) Ohya 大矢亨<br />Shiro Yajima 矢島史郎<br />Atsushi Makiuchi 牧内淳<br />Kazuyuki Morishita 森下一幸<br />Haruhiko (Harukichi) Yamamoto 山本治彦<br />Kimiyoshi Matsumoto 松元公良<br />Toshihiko Sahashi 佐橋俊彦<br />Masayuki Muraishi 村石雅行<br />Kenichi Mitsuda 光田健一		\| past_members = Masayuki Tanaka 田中政行<br />Yoshiaki Tsukahira 塚平喜昭<br />Akira Ninomiya 二宮朗<br />Toru (Susumu) Ohya 大矢亨<br />Shiro Yajima 矢島史郎<br />Atsushi Makiuchi 牧内淳<br />Kazuyuki Morishita 森下一幸<br />Haruhiko (Harukichi) Yamamoto 山本治彦<br />Kimiyoshi Matsumoto 松元公良<br />Toshihiko Sahashi 佐橋俊彦<br />Masayuki Muraishi 村石雅行<br />Kenichi Mitsuda 光田健一
	}}		}}
Line 28:		Line 28:
	They first started appearing in live houses in MONTH.		They first started appearing in live houses in MONTH.

	After Steppin', they received some fanfare and stuff 👍. They opened for Shakatak's next tour in November and December. The tour final at Nakano Sun Plaza was released as both an album and laserdisc, but without any mention of Kangaroo. Magazines often covered this tour under some variation of Shakatak vs Kangaroo. Notably in this tour, they added two vocalists, ~~girl 1~~ and ~~girl 2~~.		After Steppin', they received some fanfare and stuff 👍. They opened for Shakatak's next tour in November and December. The tour final at Nakano Sun Plaza was released as both an album and laserdisc, but without any mention of Kangaroo. Magazines often covered this tour under some variation of Shakatak vs Kangaroo. Notably in this tour, they added two vocalists, Midori Fukuhara and Emi Kuwazawa.

	=== Visual Live (1984) ===		=== Visual Live (1984) ===

ActuallyTanner: Some Nice!^3 info

2026-02-24T17:11:59Z

Some Nice!^3 info

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:11, 24 February 2026
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	==History==		==History==
	===Formation (1982)===		===Formation (1982)===
	In ??? 1982, they formed. They decided to participate in the contest EastWest '82<ref name=":0">https://www.discogs.com/release/10402417-Various-East-West-82-Live</ref>. They played Taruikasu, written by Ikuko<ref name=":0" />. They ~~placed well~~ and were entered into the followup contest Light Music Contest '82, where they played Taruikasu again.<ref name=":1">https://www.discogs.com/release/27504675-Various-Light-Music-Contest-82-Live</ref> They did not win, losing out to ???, but they still were able to receive a record deal. Both competitions received a vinyl release,<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" /> marking the first recordings of the band.		In ??? 1982, they formed, based out of Yokohama. They decided to participate in the Yamaha music contest EastWest '82<ref name=":0">https://www.discogs.com/release/10402417-Various-East-West-82-Live</ref>. They played Taruikasu, written by Ikuko<ref name=":0" />. They won and were entered into the followup contest Light Music Contest '82, where they played Taruikasu again.<ref name=":1">https://www.discogs.com/release/27504675-Various-Light-Music-Contest-82-Live</ref> They did not win, losing out to ???, but they still were able to receive a record deal. Both competitions received a vinyl release,<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" /> marking the first recordings of the band.

	=== Meeting Shakatak (1983) ===		=== Meeting Shakatak (1983) ===
Line 28:		Line 28:
	They first started appearing in live houses in MONTH.		They first started appearing in live houses in MONTH.

	After Steppin', they received some fanfare and stuff 👍. They opened for Shakatak's next tour in November and December. The tour final at Nakano Sun Plaza was released as both an album and laserdisc, but without any mention of Kangaroo. Magazines often covered this tour under some variation of Shakatak vs Kangaroo.		After Steppin', they received some fanfare and stuff 👍. They opened for Shakatak's next tour in November and December. The tour final at Nakano Sun Plaza was released as both an album and laserdisc, but without any mention of Kangaroo. Magazines often covered this tour under some variation of Shakatak vs Kangaroo. Notably in this tour, they added two vocalists, girl 1 and girl 2.

	=== Visual Live (1984) ===		=== Visual Live (1984) ===
	~~They added~~ vocalists and recorded Nice! Nice!! Nice!!!.		In January, right after finishing the tour, they went to the studio with their new vocalists and recorded Nice! Nice!! Nice!!!. Nice!^3 was later released on 1984 April 21.

	Around 1984, they submitted a demo tape to Mitsubishi for their music to be used in a commercial, but they were turned down for not being famous enough despite having TV and event appearances.<ref>Kitagami: https://discord.com/channels/943690289695055932/1067674618346864741/1067699036213215242</ref>		Around 1984, they submitted a demo tape to Mitsubishi for their music to be used in a commercial, but they were turned down for not being famous enough despite having TV and event appearances.<ref>Kitagami: https://discord.com/channels/943690289695055932/1067674618346864741/1067699036213215242</ref>

	Starting in July 1984, Kangaroo started making headlines again as they started a new innovative concept. They stacked a grid of 12 TVs behind them, showcasing videos to go along with the 21 songs they performed. This received a lot of magazine coverage and helped separate them from Shakatak.		Starting in July 1984, Kangaroo started making headlines again as they started a new innovative concept. They stacked a grid of 12 27 inch TVs behind them, showcasing videos to go along with the 21 songs they performed. This received a lot of magazine coverage and helped separate them from Shakatak.

	=== Disk (1985) ===		=== Disk (1985) ===
Line 62:		Line 62:
	![[Nice Nice Nice (Kangaroo Album)\|Nice Nice Nice]]		![[Nice Nice Nice (Kangaroo Album)\|Nice Nice Nice]]
	\|ケンソー Ⅱ		\|ケンソー Ⅱ
	\|1984		\|1984/04/21
	\|Studio Album		\|Studio Album
	\|-		\|-

ActuallyTanner: /* Discography */

2026-02-19T21:22:31Z

Discography

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:22, 19 February 2026
Line 72:		Line 72:
	![[Music For Unknown Five Musicians (Kangaroo Album)\|Music For Unknown Five Musicians]]		![[Music For Unknown Five Musicians (Kangaroo Album)\|Music For Unknown Five Musicians]]
	\|イン・コンサート		\|イン・コンサート
	\|1986		\|1986/02/21
	\|Studio Album		\|Studio Album
	\|-		\|-

ActuallyTanner: /* Meeting Shakatak (1983) */

2026-02-19T21:20:18Z

Meeting Shakatak (1983)

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:20, 19 February 2026
Line 22:		Line 22:

	=== Meeting Shakatak (1983) ===		=== Meeting Shakatak (1983) ===
	In March, somehow, they opened for Shakatak's first Japan tour, but only in Tokyo and Yokohama<ref name=":2">Adlib 1983-07</ref>. For unknown reasons, their sound took quite a turn from Taruikasu. Their sound was now much closer to Shakatak, and they were dubbed "Japanese Shakatak", for better or for worse. Meeting with Shakatak also resulted in ~~???~~ writing ~~???~~ on their first album, Steppin'. At the time, they had an average age of 23<ref name=":2" />, and had a noteworthy gender split compared to other fusion bands.		In March, somehow, they opened for Shakatak's first Japan tour, but only in Tokyo and Yokohama<ref name=":2">Adlib 1983-07</ref>. For unknown reasons, their sound took quite a turn from Taruikasu. Their sound was now much closer to Shakatak, and they were dubbed "Japanese Shakatak", for better or for worse. Meeting with Shakatak also resulted in Bill Sharpe and Roger Odell writing Love the Night Away on their first album, Steppin'. At the time, they had an average age of 23<ref name=":2" />, and had a noteworthy gender split compared to other fusion bands.

	On March 10th, they started recording their first album, originally set for release in July<ref>Adlib 1983-04</ref>. While recording their first album .		On March 10th, they started recording their first album, originally set for release in July<ref>Adlib 1983-04</ref>. While recording their first album .