- Album list
- Singer Intro
The Alfee is a Japanese folk rock band who debuted in 1974, and have been recording and touring since then, with 23 studio albums and 63 singles throughout their career. The band marked its 40th anniversary in 2014 with their 64th single.
History
Masaru Sakurai, Konosuke Sakazaki, Toshihiko Takamizawa, and Yasuo Miyake met in 1973 while students at Meiji Gakuin University, and formed the group Alfie. On August 25, 1974, they released their first single 'Natsu Shigure'. Around 1975, Miyake left the group, leaving the remaining group a trio. In 2003, HMV's Japanese branch ranked them number 92 in their 'Top 100 Japanese pops Artists' list.
The Alfee claims American folk music as their primary inspiration, but they do also take from heavy metal, hard rock, progressive rock, and Japan's 'new music wave'. The group also takes inspiration from King Crimson, Yes, Emerson, Lake & Palmer, and Pink Floyd, as they use odd time signatures, while also taking the chorus harmonies of Simon & Garfunkel, the Eagles, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, and Queen.
Members
Masaru Sakurai (桜井 賢 Sakurai Masaru?): Born January 20, 1955 in Chichibu, Saitama. Vocals, bass, chorus, pedal synthesizer, double bass, and acoustic guitar.
Kōnosuke Sakazaki (坂崎 幸之助 Sakazaki Kōnosuke): Born April 15, 1954 in Sumida, Tokyo. Vocals, acoustic guitar, mandolin, percussion, drums, harmonica, electric guitar, bass, ukulele, banjo, sitar, lute, dobro, autoharp, bouzouki, tenor guitar, piano, and chorus.
Toshihiko Takamizawa (高見沢 俊彦 Takamizawa Toshihiko): Born April 17, 1954 in Warabi, Saitama. Vocals, electric guitar, acoustic guitar, mandolin, piano, chorus. The group's leader and producer. Also has a solo career as 'Takamiy'.
|
