Artist: TAKARA incl. Jeff Scott Soto
Album: BLIND IN PARADISE (CD)

Release date: 1998
Media type: CD

In 1990 Takara, again with Soto producing and singing, went back into the studio to record what would eventually become their debut album ‘Eternal Faith’. Between Neal Grusky’s guitar work and Jeff’s vocals it seemed like a perfect match. In 1992 Takara regrouped and added new members that would be part of the debut album ‘Eternal Faith’. The line-up was now complete with Jeff Scott Soto on vocals, Neal Grusky on guitar, Gary Schutt on bass and Bob Duda on drums. In August of 1993 Takara was rewarded for all their hard work and sacrifice: Zero corporation (Japan) and Now and Then records (Europe) offered Takara a deal to release their 1st album ‘Eternal Faith’ in December 1993. Following this opening release, guitarist Gary Schutt took the solo path, issuing his 1993 'Sentimetal' album with Jeff Scott Soto on vocals as well.

After a short break the band began to work on what was to become their 2nd album. Right before rehearsals began, bassist Carl Demarco joined Takara and they returned to the studio to record ‘Taste of Heaven’. The band enlisted Bob Daisley (Ozzy Osbourne, Rainbow) on bass for guest performances on two songs. ‘Taste of Heaven’ was released in May of 1995 by Zero corporation (Japan) and Long Island records (Europe). Upon its release ‘Taste of Heaven’ was selling so well that Long Island records brought Takara to Germany for a promo tour.

In 1996 Saraya Recordings, a new US label, asked to release ‘Eternal Faith’ and ‘Taste of Heaven’ as its first releases. For the first time Takara had a US label. The band felt that there was momentum starting to build and wasted no time in going back to work on their third release. In 1998 they released ‘Blind in Paradise’ through Zero Corp (Japan), Point Music (Europe), and Saraya recordings (US). With this release Takara added keyboardist Eric Ragno.

Shortly after the release of ‘Blind in Paradise’, all of Takara's labels released ‘Eternity: Best of 93 - 98’.

TRACKLIST:

01 "Take U Down"
02 "Your Love 2night"
03 "Fly 2 Your Arms"
04 "Love Is Gone"
05 "What Do U Want From Me"
06 "Time Waits 4 No One"
07 "Blind In Paradise"
08 "Don't Wanna Be Alone"
09 "No Love's Enough"
10 "Lookin' Out"
11 "Say U'll Stay"
12 "Awake & Dreaming"

LINE-UP:

Jeff Scott Soto – lead vocals
Neal Grusky – guitar
Carl Demarco – bass
Eric Ragno – keyboards
Robert Duda – drums