B’z is one of Japan’s most successful and influential rock bands, known for their powerful sound, catchy hooks, and immense popularity. Since their formation in 1988, the duo—consisting of guitarist Tak Matsumoto and vocalist Koshi Inaba—has dominated the Japanese music scene and earned a global following. Their fusion of rock, pop, and blues, along with their dedication to musical craftsmanship, has made them a pioneering force in the Japanese music industry.
But who influenced B’z and helped shape their distinctive sound? Like any great artists, B’z did not develop in a vacuum. Their music is the result of years of exposure to various genres and legendary musicians, from classic rock bands to blues guitarists, and even Japanese idols. In this article, we’ll explore the key influences that shaped B’z’s music and how they incorporated these influences into their own unique style.
The Genesis of B’z: A Duo Formed by Diverse Influences
Before diving into specific musical influences, it’s important to understand the early background of the two members of B’z. Tak Matsumoto, the band’s guitarist, was influenced heavily by Western rock, particularly guitar virtuosos and hard rock bands. Koshi Inaba, the lead vocalist, brought his own set of influences, particularly from Western rock and soul music. Together, they blended their diverse tastes and musical backgrounds into the sonic formula that became B’z.
Tak Matsumoto’s Influences
Tak Matsumoto is widely regarded as one of Japan’s greatest guitarists, known for his virtuosic playing and his ability to blend various genres into his own unique style. His musical influences range from classic rock to blues, and many of these can be heard in B’z’s songs.
Led Zeppelin
One of Matsumoto’s earliest and most significant influences was the legendary British rock band Led Zeppelin. The band’s fusion of blues, hard rock, and folk elements had a profound impact on Matsumoto’s guitar playing, particularly the work of Jimmy Page. Led Zeppelin’s influence can be heard in the powerful, riff-driven rock sound that permeates B’z’s music, as well as in Matsumoto’s love for guitar solos.
Matsumoto’s playing often evokes the emotive power of Jimmy Page’s guitar work, from aggressive riffs to sweeping solos. Songs like “ Ultra Soul” and “ Love Phantom” exhibit Matsumoto’s dynamic range as a guitarist, drawing on the blues-rock traditions laid down by Page and other early rock guitar icons.
Eric Clapton
Another critical influence on Tak Matsumoto’s guitar playing is the legendary blues-rock guitarist Eric Clapton. Clapton’s virtuosity and his ability to express deep emotion through his guitar playing left a lasting impression on Matsumoto. The blues influences in B’z’s music, especially in tracks like “ B’z” and “ The 7th Blues,” can be directly attributed to Clapton’s impact on Matsumoto’s style.
Clapton’s work with the Bluesbreakers and later with Cream brought blues into the mainstream rock scene, and Matsumoto similarly infused his own compositions with bluesy licks and emotive solos, creating a seamless fusion of rock and blues.
Van Halen
Tak Matsumoto has also cited Eddie Van Halen as a major influence, particularly when it comes to technical proficiency and innovative guitar techniques. Van Halen’s use of rapid tapping and other unconventional guitar techniques is something that Matsumoto has integrated into his own playing. Tracks like “ Dinosaur” demonstrate Matsumoto’s own take on guitar shredding, blending Van Halen’s technical skill with his own creative flair.
Koshi Inaba’s Influences
Koshi Inaba, the other half of B’z, is often praised for his distinctive voice, which combines power, range, and emotion. While his vocal style is deeply rooted in rock, he also draws influences from soul, blues, and even Japanese enka (traditional ballad music). His voice, which has been compared to that of iconic Western rock singers, is a key part of B’z’s identity.
Aerosmith
Inaba’s vocal style bears resemblance to Steven Tyler of Aerosmith. Aerosmith’s blend of hard rock and blues, along with Tyler’s signature raspy, high-pitched voice, heavily influenced Inaba’s approach to singing. Songs like “ Love Phantom” and “ Zero” showcase Inaba’s powerful vocal delivery, reminiscent of Tyler’s dynamic stage presence and vocal prowess.
Inaba’s ability to seamlessly transition from hard rock belting to soulful crooning is something he shares with Tyler. Aerosmith’s influence on B’z can also be seen in their shared affinity for ballads and hard rock anthems, where soaring vocals and guitar-driven soundscapes create anthemic and emotionally charged music.
Soul and Blues Music
While Inaba is best known for his rock sensibilities, his vocal influences also extend to soul and blues. Artists like Sam Cooke, Ray Charles, and James Brown provided a strong foundation for his emotive vocal style. In particular, Inaba’s ability to convey deep emotion through his singing can be traced back to these legendary figures.
In tracks like “ My Lonely Town” and “ Shoudou,” Inaba channels the soulfulness and vulnerability often found in blues and soul music. This emotional depth adds a layer of complexity to B’z’s rock sound, blending raw power with heartfelt expression.
Elvis Presley
Another key influence on Inaba’s vocal style is Elvis Presley, whose rich, deep voice and mastery of rock and roll music left a lasting impact on many Japanese musicians, including Inaba. The King’s ability to blend rock with country, blues, and gospel influenced Inaba’s approach to songwriting and performance, particularly in terms of vocal phrasing and delivery.
Inaba’s smooth yet powerful vocal techniques in songs like “ Brotherhood” and “ The Way Home” demonstrate a classic rock influence that can be traced back to Presley’s genre-defying style.
Other Influences and Musical Elements in B’z’s Sound
While Led Zeppelin, Eric Clapton, Aerosmith, and other Western legends were foundational in shaping the sound of B’z, the duo’s music is also rooted in elements of Japanese culture and traditional music. B’z has always maintained a balance between Western influences and local Japanese elements, resulting in a sound that is both globally appealing and distinctly Japanese.
Japanese Rock and Pop Music
B’z, as one of Japan’s most iconic rock bands, is also influenced by the history of Japanese rock and pop music. The sounds of earlier Japanese rock bands such as The Tigers and The Spiders helped define the musical landscape that B’z would later dominate. The more mainstream pop influences, especially from the 1980s, are also evident in B’z’s ability to craft highly melodic, catchy rock songs with a pop sensibility.
B’z has often experimented with pop and rock fusion, creating accessible tracks like “ BAD COMMUNICATION” and “ Don’t Leave Me,” which are as melodic as they are anthemic.
Japanese Enka and Folk Music
The influence of enka and traditional Japanese folk music on B’z’s sound is subtle but important. Enka, with its mournful, emotive ballads, has often shaped the lyrical themes of B’z’s softer songs, particularly in their exploration of love, loss, and personal struggles. Enka’s deep emotional resonance can be found in tracks like “ Forever Love” and “ Love is Dead.”
B’z’s ability to blend powerful rock anthems with introspective ballads often mirrors the storytelling tradition of enka, where music serves as an emotional outlet and narrative vehicle.
B’z and Their Unique Evolution
Over the years, B’z has continued to evolve their sound, blending newer influences into their music while staying true to their roots. Their early years saw them heavily influenced by classic rock and blues, but as they matured, they began experimenting with other genres like electronic music, pop rock, and even progressive rock elements. Their ability to incorporate these various influences while maintaining their signature sound has been key to their success and longevity in the music industry.
Conclusion
B’z’s music is a fascinating fusion of Western and Japanese influences, combining the virtuosity of iconic guitar legends like Jimmy Page and Eric Clapton with the soulful, emotive vocals of artists like Steven Tyler and Sam Cooke. These influences, along with the duo’s unique approach to songwriting and performance, have made B’z one of Japan’s most beloved and enduring rock acts.
While their sound continues to evolve with time, the impact of these early influences is still evident in their music today. Whether they are delivering blistering rock anthems or heartfelt ballads, B’z’s ability to incorporate a wide range of genres has ensured that their sound remains as relevant and powerful as ever.
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