The weather has been simply amazing lately. ☀️
With temperatures mostly above freezing, the gentle breeze makes it hard to believe winter was just here. Even though many folks still cling to their coats, insisting winter isn’t over, those in the know are already rocking short sleeves with a light jacket, feeling perfectly fine. It’s unmistakably spring. 🌸
On days like these, I have a playlist of go-to tracks, and one standout is T-Square’s ‘Sunnyside Cruise’. Walking to this tune on a beautiful day feels like strolling on clouds, life seems blissful, and people appear inherently kind. 🎶
When it comes to music, certain phrases are often tied to specific instruments. However, that’s not the case with ‘Sunnyside Cruise’. It’s a perfect example of a friendship ensemble where the keyboard, saxophone, guitar, and bass each take turns in the spotlight, stepping back just as gracefully. Even the leader, Masahiro Ando, known as a guitar virtuoso in Japan, plays a supportive role, his white hair flowing as he backs the rest. 🎸 Racing game enthusiasts might recognize his work from the iconic ‘Moon over the Castle’ theme in ‘Gran Turismo’. I’ll admit, even as someone who often dozes off while racing, the drifting intro music nearly made my heart burst. Its popularity was so immense that it was later rearranged for a band under the title ‘Knight’s Song’.
Every happy song has that secret ingredient that makes you feel like you’re walking on air. For DEPAPEPE’s ‘Summer Parade’, it’s the dual guitar hammering strokes; for ‘Sunnyside Cruise’, it’s the relentless melody-driven bass. 🎸
While the drums might lead the rhythm, the bass often sets the mood. In this track, the bass never takes a break. Newbie bass players without calluses might find their thumbs a bit sore after tackling this piece. It’s challenging, but rewarding! Watching their 35th-anniversary concert, you’ll see three bassists trading rhythms in a heartwarming show of camaraderie. After the ad-lib, Tanaka Shingo, one of the bassists, steps back and claps his hands, likely due to sore fingers. 🎵
So, if you’re someone who finds themselves just gazing out the window on a nice day thinking, ‘Yeah, the weather’s nice but…’, why not take a little stroll with this music as your companion? Consider it your first spring adventure. 🌼
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