Stomu Yamashta: The Visionary Behind Go and the Intersection of Jazz, Rock, and World Music
In this mix I give my respectful nod to Stomu Yamashta and my tribute to the wonderful voice we have lost, Linda Lewis from the last of the Go Sessions, In the last album of the trilogy, a stroke of genius was made by Stomu Yamashta, the decision to bring in Linda Lewis for the lead female voice. Later next year I will produce another mix where I will dig deeper into the Go series of albums.
RIP Linda Lewis
Stomu Yamashta, a Japanese composer, percussionist, and visionary artist, carved a unique niche in the music world with his ground-breaking work that seamlessly blended jazz, rock, classical, and world music influences. His legacy is especially tied to his ambitious Go series of albums and live performances, where he assembled an ensemble of some of the most talented musicians of the 1970s. These works remain a testament to his innovative approach to collaboration and his ability to create music that transcends boundaries.
From Kyoto to the World Stage
Born Tsutomu Yamashita in Kyoto, Japan, in 1947, Stomu Yamashta trained at Kyoto's Toho Gakuen School of Music and later honed his skills at the prestigious Juilliard School in New York City. Early in his career, Yamashta gained recognition as a percussion virtuoso, performing with major orchestras worldwide and working with composers like Toru Takemitsu. His prodigious talent for rhythm and texture made him a force to be reckoned with, even in the experimental and avant-garde music scenes.
The Go Project: A Fusion of Great Minds
In 1976, Yamashta launched the Go project, a series of albums and performances that brought together a supergroup of iconic musicians. These works stand out not only for their high-calibre talent but also for their genre-defying sound, merging jazz, rock, and ambient music with global rhythms. The Go series includes three main works:
Go (1976) - The debut studio album, a richly textured masterpiece, featured contributions from Steve Winwood (vocals, keyboards), Al Di Meola (guitar), Klaus Schulze (synthesizers), and Michael Shrieve (drums). With its seamless blend of electronic and organic sounds, Go explores themes of journey and transcendence, capturing the spirit of collaboration.
Go Live from Paris (1976) - This electrifying live album brought the studio work to life, with extended improvisations and a heightened sense of interplay among the musicians. The concert was an audio-visual spectacle, blending music with theatrical elements.
Go Too (1977) - The follow-up album expanded on the Go concept, bringing new contributors into the fold while maintaining the project's exploratory essence.
These albums were ambitious in scope, combining Yamashta's spiritual and cinematic vision with the unique voices of his collaborators. The result was music that felt timeless yet deeply rooted in the creative ferment of the 1970s.
Supergroup Line-Up
The Go albums are notable for their all-star roster, which reads like a who's who of 1970s music:
- Steve Winwood: Known for his soulful voice and keyboard wizardry, Winwood brought emotional depth to the Go albums. His contributions, particularly on tracks like "Crossing the Line," are among the highlights of the series.
- Klaus Schulze: A pioneer of electronic music and a former member of Tangerine Dream, Schulze's atmospheric synths added a cosmic dimension to Yamashta's vision.
- Al Di Meola: One of the greatest jazz-rock guitarists of his time, Di Meola's virtuosic playing added fire and precision to the mix.
- Michael Shrieve: A drummer and percussionist best known for his work with Santana, Shrieve's rhythmic sensibilities complemented Yamashta's percussion-driven approach perfectly.
This group of diverse talents exemplified the spirit of collaboration, uniting under Yamashta's leadership to create something greater than the sum of its parts.
Why Go Still Resonates
The Go series has endured as a cult classic, praised for its daring musical experiments and the synergy of its performers. At its core, the project represents the idea of music as a universal language—one that transcends genre, nationality, and convention. Yamashta's ability to unite such disparate styles and talents speaks to his unique genius and his belief in the power of art to bring people together.The influence of Go can be heard in the work of contemporary musicians who explore similar intersections of ambient, electronic, and world music. Moreover, the albums continue to attract new listeners, offering a window into a time when boundary-pushing creativity defined the music scene.
Beyond Go: Yamashta’s Broader Legacy
While the Go series remains Yamashta's most famous work, his career encompasses a wide range of projects. He contributed to film scores, including the hauntingly beautiful music for The Man Who Fell to Earth (1976). His earlier works, such as Red Buddha (1971), showcase his interest in meditative and experimental compositions that reflect his deep engagement with Eastern philosophy and spirituality. Yamashta's exploration of sound and his commitment to innovation continue to inspire musicians and composers worldwide. Although he stepped back from the limelight in the 1980s, his impact on the music world remains profound.
Final Thoughts
Stomu Yamashta’s Go series represents a pinnacle of 1970s musical experimentation, a bold venture into uncharted territory that brought together some of the era’s brightest stars. It’s a testament to Yamashta’s visionary approach and his unwavering belief in the power of collaboration. For anyone seeking music that pushes boundaries and invites introspection, Go is not just an album series—it’s a journey worth taking.