A Jazzy Profile Of Jojo = ギター・エクスプレッション/プロフィール・オブ・Jo Jo

Released in 1970 on the Victor World Group label, A Jazzy Profile Of Jojo showcases the experimental range of Masayuki Takayanagi, a pivotal figure in the development of Japanese free jazz and noise music. The album emerged during a period of intense creative exploration for Takayanagi, who was transitioning from his work with traditional jazz ensembles toward the confrontational, avant-garde improvisational style that would define his later career with the New Direction Unit.

The record captures a synthesis of jazz standards and original compositions, serving as a transitional document of Takayanagi’s mastery of the guitar. It reflects his deliberate efforts to push the boundaries of melodic structure and tone, aiming for a sophisticated yet subversive sound. While it was initially appreciated primarily within the niche circles of Japan's underground jazz scene, it has since been reassessed by contemporary listeners and historians as a foundational work in the evolution of Japanese experimental guitar music.