Brasilian Skies

For his fourth album, Takanaka went to Los Angeles, Rio de Janeiro and Izu. The guest list is as expansive as the itinerary, with members of his own band joined by players including Toto drummer Jeff Porcaro and Ryuichi Sakamoto. “Brasilian Skies” puts Kimiko Kasai's seductive vocal against a dazzling summer sun; “Beleza Pula” answers with nimble samba.

The light-footed funk of “Disco ‘B’” is ideal for working up a sweat. By the time the cicadas and rain enter around “Izu Amanatsu Natto Uri,” the day is already slipping toward evening. It is an album that travels widely, yet still feels like Takanaka's own summer.