Press Release from BSX:
WE’RE OFF TO OUTER SPACE! BSX Records and Bukimisha present an exciting collection of songs originally composed for the classic Japanese anime TV and motion picture series SPACE BATTLESHIP YAMATO. Renown baritone and self-admitted fan Tetsuro Kitamura sings the original Japanese lyrics, accompanied by pianist Keiko Shimomura and fellow members of Bukimisha contribute their talents to three tracks.
First aired on Japanese TV in 1974, it arrived three years later on American screens retitled STAR BLAZERS thanks in part to the post-STAR WARS craze. This dubbed “American version” retained the series’ captivating score by composer Hiroshi (Yasushi) Miyagawa, though the title song was re-recorded with English lyrics, other songs, including the haunting “Scarlet Scarf” end title theme, were cut out. It wasn’t until the home video release of the Japanese-language theatrical features that fans were at last able to hear the other songs featured throughout.
Tetsuro Kitamura has for many years been a member of Bukimisha the Weird Secret Society. Pronounced “Boo-key-may-sha” (roughly translating into “Creepy Company”), they have enthralled Japanese audiences over several decades, transforming their love of music into a unique art form, and building an impressive catalog currently exceeding 180 albums! Besides Kitamura’s work among various group projects, he has also recorded eight solo albums featuring songs written by composers Akira Ifukube and Tohru Fuyuki.
Kitamura made his debut as Escamillo in Bizet’s CARMEN, securing an exclusive soloist contract with the Staatsoper (Star Opera) Görlitz. That same year, he received the "German National Performer” certification. In 1999, he played the role of Giorgio Germont in Verdi’s LA TRAVIATA at the Opera National de Mariboro and also performed as Harelkin in Strauss’ ARIADNE AUF NAXOS. In June 2006, he made his debut in Vienna singing the title role of Jörg Demus’ THE FOOL AND DEATH.
BSX Records and Bukimisha are proud to offer this solo effort from Tetsuro Kitamura to SPACE BATTLESHIP YAMATO fans throughout the world. The album has been newly mastered by James Nelson at Digital Outland from the original digital recordings, all supervised and approved by producer Takeo Yahiro. Exclusive liner notes by author David Hirsch covers the history of the beloved anime and features an interview with the performer conducted by producer Takeo Yahiro.
