Yasuto Tanaka
Saxophonist Yasuto Tanaka won first prize of the Fourth Japan Competition for Winds and Percussion (saxophone division) while still a student at Tokyo's Kunitachi Music College.
Even then, Tanaka was praised as a "... great talent with inner poetry", and drew the admiration of the great French saxophone virtuoso, Marcel Mule. Following graduation with the Yatabe prize, Tanaka began and active career as soloist, chamber musician and concert performer.
He has acquired a wide following of fans all around Japan for his recordings and stage warmth.
In addition to his solo work, Tanaka also includes membership in the Tokyo Kosei Wind Orchestra as well as the Trouvere Quartet of saxophonists, second prize winner of the Tokyo International Competition in 1992.
His first recording appeared in 1991,"Saxophone - Solo Masterpieces for Wind Instruments and Percussion."
That success was followed by "Rhapsody" in 1995 and "Saxophobia" in 1997, released by Toshiba-EMI.
This current release draws on that all-inclusive attitude, by blending Gershwin's "classical" works with his classical "popular" songs.
It marks a fine example of the new style, especially appropriate since Tanaka admits to Gershwin being his favorite composer.
For the release, Tanaka is joined by pianist Mitsutaka Shirashi, his performance colleague for the past ten years.
Besides his heavy performance schedule, Tanaka also currently teaches at Showa Music College and Showa Junior College.