Takara

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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 Eternity: Best of 93 - 98.

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.

In 2008 the band released a new album Invitation To Forever with a new line-up once again. This lineup includes Neal Grusky (Guitars), Bjorn Englen (bass), Patrick Johannson (drums), Brook Hansen (keyboards) and vocalist Gus Monsanto. Jeff Scott Soto also returned after ten years to provide harmony vocals for this latest effort. .

Discography

Studio albums

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

Compilations

• 1998 - Eternity: Best of 93 - 98

External links

• Takara Official Homepage
• Takara Myspace