Former MEGADETH Guitarist MARTY FRIEDMAN Releases New Book In Japan

July 31, 2009

On July 23, former MEGADETH guitarist Marty Friedman's second hardcover book, "Samurai no Ongakuron", was released in Japan. It is the follow-up to the bestseller "Ii Jyan J-Pop" (English translation: Awesome J-pop).

"Samurai no Ongakuron" was published by the largest entertainment media publisher in Japan, Nikkei Entertainment, which has been running a monthly full page feature on Marty for over three years now.

Marty will do several promotional events in August, including book/album signings.

Mogar Music, one of the leading musical instrument distributors in Italy, has uploaded a nine-minute video report (see below) on Friedman's recent Italian clinic tour, which included a performance at this year's Gods Of Metal festival on June 27, 2009 in Monza, Italy.

High-quality photos of the Gods Of Metal concert are available at Musica Metal.

Marty Friedman's ninth album, "Tokyo Jukebox", was released in Japan on May 20 via AVEX. The CD 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."

Check out "Tokyo Jukebox" audio samples at this location.

Friedman commemorated "Tokyo Jukebox"'s release by taking part in a "secret live event" atop Tokyo Tower on May 19. 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.

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