Japanese jazz fusion legend Masayoshi Takanaka headlining a London city pop music festival this summer

"Masayoshi Takanaka, the Japanese king of spangly, summery jazz fusion, is headlining a massive festival in London this summer. The legendary Tokyo-born guitarist, composer and producer is set to headline the London instalment of a global festival series called City Pop Waves at Crystal Palace Bowl in August."

"Takanaka's career has spanned five decades. He first found fame in the 1970s and '80s but over the last decade or so his glam, energetic showmanship (and signature surfboard guitar) has found bigger worldwide audiences via social media algorithms."

"Plus, Takanaka won't be the only Japanese fusion legend playing Crystal Palace: on the same bill is keyboardist Himiko Kikuchi, who will be performing her 1987 masterpiece Flying Beagle in full. There will also be a DJ set from Californian neo-city popper Ginger Root."

Masayoshi Takanaka, a legendary Japanese guitarist and composer with a five-decade career, is headlining the London edition of City Pop Waves at Crystal Palace Bowl in August. The Tokyo-born artist gained initial fame in the 1970s and 1980s, and has recently experienced renewed global popularity through social media. His recent Brixton Academy shows sold out immediately. The Crystal Palace performance will feature a special extended two-hour set. Keyboardist Himiko Kikuchi will also perform, presenting her 1987 album Flying Beagle in full, with additional support from Californian neo-city popper Ginger Root. Tickets begin at 10am on February 27.

Read at Time Out London