I realize I've never posted an image of TADAO KIKUMOTO. Here he is. The man behind the legendary Roland TB-303 & TR-606.
Posted today @Roland_US:
"#TBT with the developer of the Roland TB-303: Tadao Kikumoto. Discover more about the history of the #TB303 and its impact on music culture: roland.com.."
"The Roland TB-303 is a machine like no other. With an unmistakable sonic signature brimming with warmth, energy and character, the iconic silver box defined the acid house movement of the late 1980s. Widely misunderstood when launched in 1981, the true revolution began several years later when electronic music producers rediscovered the quirky box, unleashing the hypnotic, liquid sound that captivated a generation. While we may never really understand why the 303 sound makes people want to dance, there is no denying its power, influence, and unwavering ability to get a party started. It just works, even after all this time.An engineer called Tadao Kikumoto was hard at work on a new product that would accompany Roland’s TR- 606 drum machine. Mr. Kikumoto’s plan was to develop a machine to recreate the sound of an electric bass guitar, for solo performers to practice with and even take out to gigs. The two machines would link up and play at the same tempo via DIN Sync technology, providing a programmable and highly portable ‘backing band’."
Early ad featuring Ocsar Peterson with the HR-70, TB-303 & TR-606, originally posted here, and in black & white with text here.
That picture of Oscar Peterson freaks me out a little. It is real, but it is surreal at the same time. My brain keeps trying to resolve that but it's like two out of focus pictures swirling into each other that just don't match. I guess all I can do is close my eyes, listen to the music, and hope it all goes away.
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