Jolly Jive (album)

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Jolly Jive
Jolly Jive Cover.jpg
Studio album by
ReleasedDecember 1, 1979
Recorded1979
Studio
  • Polydor Studio, Izu
  • Polydor Studio, Tokyo
Genre Jazz fusion, funk, pop
Length33:26
Label Kitty
Producer Masayoshi Takanaka
Masayoshi Takanaka chronology
On Guitar
(1978)
Jolly Jive
(1979)
T-Wave
(1980)

Jolly Jive is the sixth studio album by Japanese musician, producer and composer Masayoshi Takanaka, released by Kitty Records on December 1, 1979. It was initially released on vinyl and cassette. The album blends jazz fusion with city pop, funk, disco, and tropical influences, showcasing Takanaka's signature melodic guitar playing and vibrant arrangements.

Contents

Background

Following the success of his earlier records, Jolly Jive was recorded primarily at Polydor Studio, in Tokyo and reflects Takanaka's shift toward more groove-oriented and playful compositions. The album marked a key moment in his late-1970s output, with its upbeat tone and polished production appealing to both jazz fusion enthusiasts and pop listeners.[ citation needed ]

The record is known for the track "Blue Lagoon", which became a hit after being featured in numerous commercials.[ citation needed ] It remains one of Takanaka's most iconic pieces and a staple of his live performances.[ citation needed ] Although Jolly Jive wasn't marketed internationally at the time, it has since gained a cult following outside Japan, thanks to its vibrant sound and the growing global interest in Japanese city pop.[ citation needed ]

Track listing

All music is composed by Masayoshi Takanaka, except Taj Mahal by Jorge Ben. All arrangements by Masayoshi Takanaka.

Jolly Jive track listing
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."Blue Lagoon" 5:05
2."Radio Rio" 5:06
3."Explosion" 2:26
4."珊瑚礁の妖精" (Sangosho No Yosei) 4:11
5."Taj Mahal" Jorge Ben 5:08
6."Bamboo Vender" 3:30
7."パラレル・ターン" (Parallel turn) 3:53
8."Rainy Day Blue" 4:05
Total length:33:26

Personnel

Credits and personnel adapted from liner notes [1]

Release history

Release history for Jolly Jive
RegionDateFormatsLabelRef.
JapanDec 1, 1979Kitty Records
Jul 1, 1984 CD
Jul 25, 1990CD (Reissue) Universal Music Japan

References

  1. Masayoshi Takanaka = 高中正義 - Jolly Jive = ジョリー・ジャイヴ, December 1, 1979, retrieved June 28, 2025

Jolly Jive at Discogs (list of releases)