Takanaka Masayoshi – Rainbow Goblins (2xLP, Coloured vinyl)

Masayoshi Takanaka’s The Rainbow Goblins (1981) is a vivid, genre-defying jazz-fusion concept album inspired by Ul de Rico’s children’s book of the same name. The double-LP blends narrative prologues and instrumental storytelling, with Takanaka’s soaring guitar as the central voice throughout a mystical journey of goblins consuming the colors of rainbows. Featuring lush arrangements, funk-infused rhythms, and orchestral textures, the album feels like an audio fairy tale—each track unfolding like a scene from a vividly painted picture book.

Critically, The Rainbow Goblins is widely regarded as one of Takanaka’s most imaginative and expressive works. It stands out in his discography for its narrative cohesion and emotional depth, showing off his technical mastery and compositional ambition. The inclusion of spoken-word passages enriches the listening experience, transforming it into an audiovisual adventure. The album has enjoyed enduring acclaim, praised for its pacing, melodic storytelling, and fusion of jazz, rock, and psychedelic elements.