Masahiko Satoh

Masahiko Satoh is a trailblazing Japanese jazz pianist, composer, and electronic music innovator whose genre-defying career has spanned over five decades. Emerging in the 1960s, he became a key figure in Japan’s avant-garde jazz scene, blending traditional Japanese melodies with psychedelic experimentation, free improvisation, and cutting-edge synth work. His 1971 album *Amalgamation* (revisited in the remastered release) is a cult classic, fusing big band jazz with cosmic futurism. Satoh’s collaborations range from working with legends like percussionist Stomu Yamashta to scoring films and TV shows, cementing his reputation as a restless creative force.

Recent years have seen Satoh dive deeper into improvisational realms, as heard on fiery live recordings like *Live At Café OTO* and the eclectic *Proton Pump*. Tracks like *Yatagarasu* and *Summer Night* showcase his knack for balancing haunting minimalism with bursts of kinetic energy, proving he’s still pushing boundaries well into his 80s. Whether conjuring delicate piano reflections or modular synth chaos, Satoh remains a master of mood and a pioneer who treats music like an ever-evolving laboratory.

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