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Draft:Far East Family Band (band)

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Far EastFamily Band
Background information
OriginJapan
GenresProgressive Rock, Psychedelic Rock, Space Rock
Years active1972-1978
LabelsMu Land
TRC Records
Columbia
Past membersHirohito Fukushima
Fumio Miyashita
Akira Ito
Masanori Takahashi aka Kitaro
Akira Fukakusa
Shizuo Takasaki
Yujin Harada

Far East Family Band is a pioneering Psychedelic and Space Rock band from Japan, originally formed in 1972 under the name Far Out. The group quickly became one of the most influential acts in Japan's progressive rock scene, blending cosmic soundscapes, meditative rhythms, and a distinctly Eastern musical sensibility with the expansive, experimental ethos of Western psychedelic and space rock.[1][2]

History

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The band underwent a transformation in 1973, adopting the name Far East Family Band and solidifying their identity as trailblazers of the genre. Their music often explored themes of mysticism, spirituality, and the cosmos, creating immersive sonic journeys that resonated with fans both in Japan and internationally.[3]

Despite their relatively short lifespan, disbanding in 1978, the band left a lasting legacy. They are often credited with paving the way for Japanese artists in the global psychedelic and progressive music scenes. Their work continues to inspire a dedicated following and is celebrated as a cornerstone of Japanese space rock history.[4]

Musical style

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Under the guidance of producer and keyboardist Kitaro, who would later achieve fame as a new-age music composer, Far East Family Band crafted an otherworldly sound that combined traditional Japanese instruments with synthesizers, Mellotrons, and lush guitar work. Albums such as "Parallel World" (produced by Klaus Schulze of Tangerine Dream) and "Nipponjin" showcased their ability to merge traditional Japanese influences with the progressive rock styles of the 1970s.[5]

Members

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  • Hirohito Fukushima / vocals, guitar
  • Fumio Miyashita / guitar, keyboards, producer
  • Masanori Takahashi aka Kitaro / keyboards, percussion
  • Akira Ito / keyboards
  • Akira Fukakusa / bass
  • Shizuo Takasaki / drums
  • Yujin Harada / drums, percussion

Discography

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  • The Cave Down To The Earth (1975)
  • Nipponjin (1975)
  • Parallel World (1976)
  • Tenkujin (1977)

References

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  1. ^ "Far East Family Band". Baby Blue Pages. Baby Blue Pages. Retrieved 2010-10-11.
  2. ^ "Far East Family Band". ProGGnosis. ProGGnosis. Retrieved 2010-10-11.
  3. ^ "Far East Family Band". Progarchives. Progarchives. Retrieved 2010-10-11.
  4. ^ "Far East Family Band". Monolith Coctail. Monolith Coctail. Retrieved 2010-10-11.
  5. ^ "Far East Family Band". AllMusic. AllMusic. Retrieved 2010-10-11.
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Category:Progressive Rock Category:Psychedelic Rock Category:Space Rock Category:Far Out Category:Japanese Progressive Rock groups Category:Kitaro Category:Musical groups from Japan