Prism is the first album recorded by Japanese jazz guitarist Ryo Kawasaki after he moved to New York City from Tokyo.
At the time of this recording, he was a member of the Gil Evans Orchestra, Elvin Jones Jazz Machine, Chico Hamilton group, and Tarika Blue. Musicians on this album are from these groups. Herb Bushler was a member of the Gil Evans Orchestra, Abdulha and Steve Turre from the Chico Hamilton group, and Phil Clendeninn from Tarika Blue. Buddy Williams was a member of George Benson's group and often played with Kawasaki in New York City. Prism was recorded in one afternoon and mixed the next day.