Two More Marty Friedman Albums Getting American Release

Released in Japan in 2009 and 2011, respectively, "Tokyo Jukebox Vols. 1 & 2" -- the 9th and 11th chapters in Friedman's influential solo discography -- will make their U.S. debuts on Nov. 20 as a limited-edition, specially-priced 2CD release featuring artwork exclusive to this pressing and new liner notes by Friedman himself.

Soon after leaving Megadeth following a 10-year run in which the iconic band sold some 10 million albums worldwide, Friedman -- perhaps the most revered lead guitarist in thrash metal history -- moved to Japan, where over the past decade he became a household name. Between his solo releases and collaborations with Japanese stars, he has played on and written numerous Top 10 hits (including two #1's); he has also made hundreds of appearances on mainstream Japanese television and performed at legendary venues such as Budokan and the Tokyo Dome.

"Tokyo Jukebox Vols. 1 & 2" feature energetic instrumental covers of Japanese pop (J-pop) songs that can be enjoyed by anyone with a sweet tooth for melody, and capture Friedman's passion for the music of his adopted home country -- although, as he warns in the liner notes for this release, "I took the liberty of destroying and reconstructing them my own way."

Featuring Jeremy Colson (Steve Vai, Billy Idol) on drums, the self-produced and self-arranged "Tokyo Jukebox" features reconstructed covers of J-pop and J-Rock hits selected by readers of Japan's top entertainment magazine. "Tokyo Jukebox 2," meanwhile, was recorded in Los Angeles at The Village (Aerosmith, Kiss), and features guest performances by Jason Bittner (Shadows Fall) and Keshav Dhar (Skyharbor). The albums feature tracks originally performed by acclaimed Japanese acts such as Mr. Children, SMAP, Perfume and Maximum the Hormone.