Stomu Yamashta

The Profile

Japanese percussionist and composer known for leading the 1970s project Go and for blending Japanese musical elements with electronic, jazz and rock idioms. Prominent collaborators include Klaus Schulze, Steve Winwood and Al di Meola.

Born November 8, 1947. Leader of the 1970s supergroup Go. Composer of the studio album Go and the live recording Go Live From Paris (recorded June 12, 1976, Palais des Sports, Paris).

Stomu Yamashta assembled an international supergroup for Go; the 1976 live album Go Live From Paris showcases his compositions blending Japanese elements with electronic, jazz, soul and rock. The recording (Palais des Sports, June 12, 1976) is praised for sound quality and standout solos by Schulze, Winwood and Al di Meola. Reviewers call the work eclectic, well-composed and technically excellent.