Ex-MEGADETH Guitarist MARTY FRIEDMAN Putting Finishing Touches On New Solo Album

After completing the majority of the recording Los Angeles' most legendary recording studio, The Village Recorder, former MEGADETH guitarist Marty Friedman is back in Tokyo, Japan putting the finishing touches on his latest instrumental solo album.

More information and a video message from the sessions (in Japanese) can be found at www.martyfan.com.

In other news, Marty contributed guitar to Japanese theatrical phenomenon SOUND HORIZON's new maxi single, "Hikari to Yami no Douwa". The single was released on June 16 and to commemorate this, Marty will perform live with SOUND HORIZON at both Yoyogi Auditorium concerts on June 19 and June 20. Friedman is also featured on legendary Japanese vocalist Maki Ohguro's brand new single, "It's All Right". The song is her first new release in three years and the single comes with a making-of DVD with footage from Maki and Marty's recording session filmed earlier this year.

Friedman's ninth album, "Tokyo Jukebox", was released in Europe on February 22, 2010 via Mascot Records. The CD features extensive liner notes (written by Friedman in the "story behind the song" format) which are exclusive to the European release.

Video footage of Friedman talking about the making of "Tokyo Jukebox" can be viewed below.

Released in Japan on May 20, 2009 via AVEX, "Tokyo Jukebox" was produced and arranged by Marty and it reflects the chaotic lifestyle of Tokyo, its unique music and Marty's futuristic interpretation of it. According to a posting on Marty's web site, "Sonically, it goes from his 'Loudspeaker' lineup all the way to a 70-piece symphony orchestra. Marty covers the most unlikely artists to get his guitar heavy treatment, including PERFUME, MAXIMUM THE HORMONE, AI, NAKASHIMA MIKA, IKIMONO GAKARI and seven other staples in the world of current Japanese music."

"The songs were chosen in part by the readers of Nikkei Entertainment!, Japan's all-time number one entertainment magazine, which features a popular page on Marty each month for over three years and still going strong.

"All the songs go through Marty's extravagant, epic, and quite often brutally twisted treatment. 'Tokyo Jukebox' is the new definitive display of Marty's current state of mind as well as the deepest evolution of his guitar playing and overall musicality ever."

Friedman commemorated "Tokyo Jukebox"'s release by taking part in a "secret live event" atop Tokyo Tower on May 19, 2009. There were two shows, both filled to capacity, and all who attended were treated to Marty's first time performing these new songs in public, high above Tokyo's night skyline. Autograph sessions were held after each show.