An Insatiable High

Recorded in Los Angeles with Lee Ritenour, Gentle Thoughts and the Tower of Power horns, Takanaka's third album sounds dry, open and effortlessly comfortable. Guitar and chorus glide together on “Sexy Dance,” a track with one foot firmly on each side of the Pacific. “Malibu” takes the pace down to a slow cruise; the title track invites a long drive; and “E.S.P.” makes room for the dancers.

Even the speed-limit sign on the cover feels right for this record: Takanaka is moving fast, but he knows exactly when to ease off. The confidence of the playing never crowds out the pleasure of the tunes.