Masayuki Takayanagi: Best “Mass Projection”s

Note: not counting Masayuki Takayanagi New Direction Unit’s Mass Hysterism in Another Situation CD (Jinya Disc, 2006) or Masayuki Takayangi and Kaoru Abe’s Mass Projection CD (DIW, 2001) which are full CDs of “Mass Projection”s, essentially—both are absolute musts. The rest are on discs where “Mass Projection” is contrasted with “Gradual Projection” or “Gradually Projection,” sort of a calmer improv piece (except the ’73 festival comp).

1. New Direction for the Arts, “Mass Projection” on Inspiration & Power 14 Free Jazz Festival 1 double LP comp (Trio, 1973) Thee most blasted take, just guitar, cello and drums—this is supposedly just the last 10 minutes of a 90 minute set
2. New Direction Unit “Fragment-VI (Mass Projection)” on Axis/Another Revolvable Thing (Offbeat, 1975) weird mix with Takayanagi hard-panned but never ceases to amaze
3. Masayuki Takayanagi and New Direction Unit—“Second Session (Mass Projection)” on Eclipse (Iskra, 1975)—sort of low-fi, but intense
4. Masayuki Takayanagi New Direction Unit “My Friend, Blood Shaking My Heart” on April is the Cruelest Month (ESP-Disk (Cancelled release)/April Disk) Everybody thinks the cello player is Takayanagi playing wah-wah, haha
5. New Direction Unit “Mass Hysterism” on Live at Moers Festival (Three Blind Mice, 1980)—different name, same idea. Rather poor recording, energy level is flagging a bit
6. Masayuki Takayanagi Archive 1 (Jinya Disc 5CD box, 2009) There’s a bunch on here, all good but none that I recall being super memorable