"Jazzed Up In Japan" - The Tales Behind The Tunes

Blam Jam celebrated four years on air at CSR last night
with a stopless selection of amazing tunes from the land
of innovation.

And in the usual manner, here's a dissection of the songs
themselves and their significance.

Jazztronik - "Real Clothes"

The brainchild of musician Ryota Nozaki, and the first
act I would recommend to anyone wanting to discover
the good stuff that Japan has to offer.

This one from 2008's "JTK" album has a late 70s disco
feel to it, sounding like a mash-up of "K-Jee" by Philly outfit
M.F.S.B., and the formation favourite "Let's Get It Together" by El Coco.

Mondo Grosso - "Life (M.G 2.7 Stepped Mix-Edit)"One of many winners from the fourth album by producer
Shinichi Osawa released in 2000.

Whilst this version has a UK garage feel to it, it's also
worth having a listen to the original latin-tinged version
of which the video can be seen here.

Casiopea - "FrouFrou"Taking it back a few decades, jazz-fusion four piece Casiopea
(pronounced Cash-ee-o-pee-a) who's synth lead rhythms
define what many may not view as a timeless musical era,
but are still worthy of inclusion, continuing to inspire many
future bands from Japan, with their energetic live shows.

Hajime Yoshizawa - "Believe Again"

Taken from the album "Music From The Edge Of The Universe"
a rather delightful collaboration with British vocalist
Vanessa Freeman, and a popular dancefloor favourite around the globe.

Bahia Sunsets - "Somewhere Not Here"

It was going to be a struggle choosing which song from the
amazing Monday Michiru to include in my jaunt through Japan,
but I decided to settle for this nice acoustic offering from a compilation
released by the Kyoto Jazz Massive in the mid 90s.

Monday Michiru Mariano being the daughter of a very talented
musical family...

Toshikyo Akiyoshi - "Manha Do Carnaval"

...including a very talented mother.

The American/Japanese musician and bandleader used her dual nationality
to help explore deeper themes within her music.

This track comes from a compilation compiled by Monday Michiru
showcasing some of her mother's lesser heard material.

Ellen Mcillwaine and Yukihiro Fukutomi - "Born Under A Bad Sign"

Originally recorded by Albert King, (and more infamously interpreted
by Homer Simpson), producer Fukotomi gives the blues standard
the broken beat treatment, with vocals from Ellen Mcillwaine.

United Future Organization featuring Dee Dee Bridgewater -
"Flying Saucer"

A Japanese/French nu-jazz duo formed in Shibuya and key players
in the 90s "acid jazz" scene.

This offering from their 1999 LP "Bon Voyage" features the
vocals of top jazz vocalist Dee Dee Bridgewater, and unlike a fair
number of tunes I've featured, this one's rather timeless.

DJ Kawasaki - "You Can Make It" (KJM Cosmic House Mix)

Again it was hard to choose just one offering from the Kyoto Jazz Massive
so I've ended up going with one of their many remixes they've
produced over the years.

This one of DJ Kawasaki's house offering "You Can Make It" showcases
the combination of uplifting melodies with inspiring lyrical content
without being too preachy.

Shuya Okino - "Give Your Love a Chance"

Recently, one half of the KJM duo has gone solo and caused
quite a stir with his album "Destiny", the opening track covering
Rose Royce's "Still In Love" can be heard in the introduction
to this musical medley.

The album contains many other gems, including this 80s soul
inspired offering that's caught just as much attention in the UK
as it has in Okino's homeland.

Minako Yoshida - "Town"

I first discovered this via a cover of the tune by DJ Kawasaki
released on his "Black And Gold" covers album last year.

On hearing the original, it reminded me of many jazzy disco offerings
played on the radio whilst growing up in London at a very early age.

It's the memory of hearing the beats whilst being driven through
the bright lights of London late at night combined that started
my crazy obsession with the soulful and jazzy stuff.

Whilst it maybe slightly distanced from Japan, I can imagine this
would sound just as good being driven through Tokyo late at night
and the version I've included features some "additional cityscape"
noises and atmos, which hopefully adds something extra to the
already rousing rhythms.