Takara (band)

Infobox musical artist
Name = Takara
Origin = United States
Genre = Hard rock
Years_active = 1987 - Present
Label = Lion Music
URL = http://www.takararocks.com/
Current_members = Gus Monsanto Neal Grusky - Guitar Bjorn Englen - Bass Patrick Johannson - Drums Derek Sherinian - Keyboard TBA
Past_members = Jeff Scott Soto Michael J Flatters Gary Schutt Carl Demarco Brook Hansen Chad Clark Bob Duda

Takara is an American rock band, formed in 1987. Throughout the years, Takara has frequently changed their look and line-up. The only band member still standing is guitarist Neal Grusky.

Biography

1980s - Early days

Takara was originally formed in August 1987. After a few months of rehearsals the band made their debut in October with a show in Hollywood, California. The band proceeded to play many more shows throughout 1987-88. In November of 1988, Takara went into the studio to record their first demo with producer Jeff Scott Soto. As they entered the studio it became apparent that the current singer was not ready to record. In order to finish the new Takara demo, Soto was asked to help out, and sing on the demo. Thus then began the relationship between the band and Jeff Scott Soto.

1990s - The Soto era

In 1990, Takara went back into the studio to record what would eventually become their debut album, "Eternal Faith". In 1992 Takara regrouped and added new members that would perform in "Eternal Faith". The line-up was now complete with Jeff Scott Soto on vocals, Neal Grusky on guitar, Gary Schutt on bass and Bob Duda on drums. In August 1993, Zero Corporation (Japan) and Now and Then records (Europe) offered Takara a deal to release "Eternal Faith" in December 1993.

Following this opening release, guitarist Gary Schutt took the solo path, issuing his 1993 album "Sentimetal" with Jeff Scott Soto on vocals as well.

After a short break the band began to work on what was to become their second album. Before rehearsals began, bassist Carl Demarco joined Takara and they returned to the studio to record "Taste of Heaven". The band enlisted Bob Daisley on bass for guest performances on two songs. "Taste of Heaven" was released in May 1995 by Zero Corporation (Japan) and Long Island records (Europe). Upon its release, "Taste of Heaven" had commercial success, and Long Island records brought Takara to Germany for a promo tour.

In 1996 Saraya Recordings, a new US label, asked to release "Eternal Faith" and "Taste of Heaven" as its first releases. The band felt that there was momentum starting to build and wasted no time in working on their third release. In 1998 they released "Blind in Paradise" through Zero Corporation (Japan), Point Music (Europe), and Saraya Recordings (US). Shortly after the release of ‘Blind in Paradise’, all of Takara's labels released a greatest hits album "".

2000s - New line-up

In late 1998, the Takara line-up went through an enormous change. Two thirds of Takara had left the band for various reasons. All that was left was guitarist leader Neal Grusky and bassist Carl Demarco. The band found drummer Chad Clark and keyboardist Brook Hansen. Brook and Neal had known each other for years and always shared similar ideas on music. Finally, the last to come aboard was vocalist Michael J. Flatters, who Neal found through a mutual friend.

With the band complete, Takara re-entered the studio in February 2000 to record their fourth album, Perception of Reality. One year later, it was completed and released. This has been their last release as of 2008, even though all their albums have been re-released recently.

On the official website, it was announced that the band will start working on a new album with a new line-up once again. This will include Bjorn Englen (bass), Patrick Johannson (drums), Brook Hansen (keyboards) and vocalist Gus Monsanto.

Discography

tudio albums

* 1993 - "Eternal Faith"
* 1995 - "Taste of Heaven"
* 1998 - "Blind in Paradise"
* 2001 - "Perception of Reality"
* 2008 - "Invitation to Forever"

Compilations

* 1998 - ""

External links

* [http://www.takararocks.com Takara Official Homepage]
* [http://www.myspace.com/takararocks Takara Myspace]