T-Square

Released in 1981, Magic is an energetic and melodic jazz fusion album by the Japanese group T-Square (then often credited as The Square). The band was one of the leading forces in Japan’s fusion scene during the late 1970s and 1980s, known for their technical precision, bright melodies, and polished studio production.

Driven by the expressive saxophone of Masahiro Andoh and the band’s tight rhythm section, the album blends jazz improvisation with pop-friendly melodies and funk-influenced grooves. The music balances virtuosity with accessibility, creating an upbeat and dynamic sound typical of Japanese fusion from the era.

Magic features:

Fast, melodic saxophone-led themes

Complex yet smooth fusion arrangements

Bright keyboards, electric guitar, and tight rhythm grooves

Polished studio production characteristic of early-80s Japanese recordings

This promo pressing on CBS/Sony is particularly interesting for collectors, as promotional copies were usually produced in smaller quantities and distributed mainly to radio stations and industry professionals.

Today, Magic is appreciated by fans of Japanese jazz fusion, representing the vibrant and technically impressive sound that helped define the genre in Japan during the early 1980s.