T-Square

Originally known as The Square, this jazz fusion group was formed in Tokyo, Japan in 1976. T-Square is best-known for the song "Truth" (1987), which was used for Fuji Television’s Formula One coverage for many years. With a constantly evolving line-up that featured guitarist Masahiro Andoh as the only constant member, the group released upwards of 60 albums during their career. The band members have also formed offshoot bands over the years including Trio The Square, Ottottrio, The Masato Honda Band, Korenos, Voice of Elements, and many others. The group’s line-up has been fluid since their inception and T-Square has featured many Japanese jazz greats over the years including saxophonist/flautist Takeshi Itoh and future film composer Shiro Shagisu. The Square’s early albums include Lucky Summer Lady (1978), Midnight Lover (1978) and Make Me a Star (1979). The band became well-known for blending jazz fusion with funk, rock, and smooth jazz. Although their albums were successful, they finally reached a commercial peak with the release of the 1987 album Truth. With international success calling, they prepared to tour in America, changing their name to T-Square in 1988 to avoid confusion with a British band called The Squares. Further high-profile albums included Wave (1989), Natural (1990) and more. In 2000, the group employed studio musicians to compensate for the absences of the members who had formed Trio The Square. Briefly renamed T-Square Plus, the band returned to their original name, The Square, for the 25th anniversary album Spirits (2003), then used the name T-Square Super Band for the 30-year tour. After 35 years of recordings for the labels CBS/Sony (1978-1999) and Village Records (2000-2014), T-Square founded their own label Orange Lady. On this label, they released the albums Paradise (2015), Rebirth (2017), City Coaster (2018), Horizon (2019), Al Factory and Crème de la Crème (2020), and Fly! Fly! Fly! (2021). In 2021, guitarist Masahiro Andoh – the only constant member since 1976 - announced his retirement from the band and left the management of the group to Takeshi Itoh.