Masahiko Togashi

b. 22 March 1940, Tokyo, Japan. A child prodigy on violin and percussion, Togashi became a professional drummer when barely into his teens. He gained a solid reputation in his homeland, playing with Sadao Watanabe among others and also led his own small groups. At the end of the 1960s injuries turned him away from playing drums to other percussion instruments and he extended his interest in writing music. He continued to lead bands, write, and collaborate with Japanese and visiting musicians, appearing with Masabumi Kikuchi and recording a 1981 duo session with Steve Lacy. Togashi’s technical expertise on a wide range of percussion instruments allowed him to introduce into his performances telling effects that added intriguingly exotic undertones.