Profile

Takashi Matsunaga
(Pianist, Composer)

​Born in 1986, Matsunaga made his debut at the age of 17 with the album Takashi, which became a bestseller. After performing with Herbie Hancock at Tokyo Jazz 2003, he garnered acclaim from musicians worldwide.

In 2004, Matsunaga released the album Storm Zone (Blue Note Records) in the USA, Europe, and Asian countries, becoming the youngest artist in Blue Note Records’ 85-year history to record a leader album, surpassing the record previously held by Miles Davis.

In December 2013, Matsunaga played the piano in a performance at the Louvre Museum for the SNBA reception, an event supported by François Hollande, President of France, and the French Ministry of Culture, where he was acclaimed for “amazing people around the world” with his piano performance.

Matsunaga has collaborated with notable artists such as Ron Carter, Christian McBride, Bobby McFerrin, Jack DeJohnette, Eric Harland, and Chaka Khan. He also composes and performs theme music for TV news programs and commercials.

His exceptional sense of rhythm and remarkable pianism have earned him critical acclaim both in Japan and internationally.

Photo by Takahiro Ueno

PURE WAVE

Takashi Matsunaga

as if Absolute.

Pure Wave 
UPC  199999321507 

1.as if Absolute. 4:05
(Takashi Matsunaga)

2.Fractal Attractor T  3:31
(Takashi Matsunaga)

3. Capillary Wave A  4:45
(Takashi Matsunaga)

4.Adaptive Optics K  4:30
(Takashi Matsunaga)

5.Catabo Lism S  5:07
(Takashi Matsunaga)

6.Spore Journey H  4:42
(Takashi Matsunaga)

7.Eighty Eight I  4:32
(Takashi Matsunaga)

total time 31:12

All music composed, arranged, and performed by Takashi Matsunaga

Recorded at Van Gelder Studio , May 5, 2025

Recording Engineer: Maureen Sickler

Assistant Engineer: Don Sickler

Mastered by Dave Darlington at Bass Hit Recording, NYC May 11, 2025

Mastering Engineer: David Darlington

Piano: Steinway & Sons Concert Grand D

Album cover art & Design: Takahiro Ueno

Musical Director: Takashi Matsunaga

Produced by Tōru Abe

Executive Producer:Takahiro Ueno

Title: Top Note Bass Theory

Author: Takashi Matsunaga

Distributor: Pure Wave Inc.

ISBN: 979-8-218-53606-0

About this book

This book presents practical techniques for arranging, composing, and improvising music through the Top Note Bass (TNB) Theory. This approach introduces new harmonic possibilities, enriching melodies and offering a fresh, distinctive sound.

The TNB Theory was developed by the author, a pianist, with the goal of making piano playing enjoyable for everyone—from beginners to seasoned professionals. While it was originally designed for pianists, the TNB Theory is applicable to musicians of all instruments.

Top Note Bass Theory Founder and Author: TAKASHI MATSUNAGA”

PERFORMANCES

Barcelona/Jamboree Live 2022

Japan/Lucky Fes 2022

Rio de Janeiro/Blue Note Live 2019

Warsaw/Syrena teather 2017

Budapest/BJC live 2017

New York/ Live 2017

Rio de Janeiro/Triboz Live 2017

COMPOSITIONS

TV theme music

TV Dramas / Anime / Films / Commercials

Other

Send us mail