Elvin Jones, Takehisa Tanaka - When I Was At Aso-Mountain (1993)

Osaka-born Takehisa Tanaka started on piano at age 6. When attending university he became interested in George Shearing's music, and later he listened to many basic jazz piano albums (Red Garland, Wynton Kelly, Tommy Flanagan). He formed a quintet and also a trio and toured Japan. Based in Osaka he worked with many Japanese jazz musicians, like Motohiko Hino, George Otsuka, Hidehiko Matsumoto, Kazumi Watanabe, Kimoko Ito, Mari Nakamoto, Mitsuru Furuyaand others. In 1979 Takehisa Tanaka recorded his first album "I Have Been Born". As his wife owns the "St. James Jazz Club" in Osaka, he has had probably more possibilities of playing with American musicians than any other Japanese jazz player. This unique experience greatly improved his skills. Among the musicians who played with him are: Milt Jackson, Harold Land, Thad Jones, Frank Foster, Sarah Vaughan, Anita O'Day, George Benson, Grover Washington jr., Maynard Ferguson, Eddie Gomez, George Mraz, Gary Peacock, Ray Brown, Billy Higgins, Mel Lewis, Peter Erskine and many more. Takehisa's relationship with master drummer Elvin Jones dates back to close to 20 years. Every time when Elvm came to Osaka, they got together and Elvin would offer musical advice to the pianist. He liked Takehisa's first album and suggested to play himself on a new recording — introducing a fine pianist to the world of jazz listeners.