Posts Tagged ‘Hiroaki’

Monday, November 2nd, 2009

A Little Bit About the Band

Since forming the band in 2008, Tokyo Blue has been gigging extensively around Malaysia, at local jazz venues and private events. Fusing musical elements from jazz, latin, fusion and progressive rock, the band is known for their signature melodious and story-full songwriting over delicate odd meters and not forgetting their astounding improvisations. Regardless of their young age, their showmanship is unquestionable, always leaving their audience in awe. Look out for their first album, scheduled for release in October 2009, featuring various patterns of pounding rock-driven piano riffs, accompanied by adventurous bass playing and rock-solid drum beats. For more info about the band, add Tokyo Blue on Facebook or visit www.myspace.com/tokyobluetokyoblue

So, you might ask, why is Tokyo Blue our very first chosen one? Well, simple. There are just not many young people promoting jazz music the way these guys do. It’s unconventional, uber-creative and definitely a lot of fun. Something worth checking out. Heck, we’re thinking they might just be pioneers in this genre of music in the local independent scene.

Alright, to give you some idea of what’s to come in the next few weeks on Hip Trip this November, check out our first entry – Tokyo Blue LIVE @ Groove Junction, 22nd July 09. Enjoy!

Find them interesting? Come back next week for more Tokyo Blue goodness! Cheers!

Friday, October 30th, 2009

Even if you’re not a huge fan of instrumental bands, but man, rest assured, you’d be blown away by these guys. Building their powerful music from only keyboards, bass and drums, Tokyo Blue delivered a sound that is normally attainable from at least a 4-piece band. It was actually one of their usual nights performing at Groove Junction, but it felt more like a special showcase as each member of the band, Hiro (bass), Ywenna (keyboards) and Josh (drums) went all out, like there’s no tomorrow. The intensity of the show was at the peak from the very first note to the very last. The band played a mixture of original compositions (first album coming out in October 2009!) and covers from their favourite musicians like The Beatles, Jaco Pastorius, Marcus Miller, Edgar Winter and even Michael Jackson.

After opening the show with funky tunes, they mellowed the mood down by performing ‘I’ll Be There’ by Michael Jackson, where Hiro and Ywenna melodiously took turns playing the melody with their respective instruments. And of course, you could hear the crowd singing along. Tokyo Blue also invited guest guitarists Asaph and Faz to jam with them that night. Their performance for the song ‘Frankenstein’ by Edgar Winter with Faz on guitar was rock-solid. It really kept the crowd glued to their seats, screaming for more. They previewed their latest song ‘Spark of Life’ which Hiro claimed to be very challenging. Indeed it was, with tricky odd meters and crazy improvisations. Nevertheless, they looked totally at ease and nailed it perfectly.

As anticipated, their fans didn’t budge an inch after the last song and kept screaming for an encore. The trio obliged and performed another killer song ‘En Tus Manos’, an original song as requested by their fans. At the end of the show one couldn’t really tell the difference between their own compositions and the cover songs. Yup, that’s how impressive their songwriting skills are apart from their showmanship. It was a mind-blowing show and one thing’s for sure, they definitely scored a roomful of fans that night.

For more info about the band, add Tokyo Blue on Facebook or visit www.myspace.com/tokyobluetokyoblue

Some pics from the show…

Hiro

Hiro

feat Faz

feat Faz

josh and hiro

josh and hiro

ywenna, hiro and josh

ywenna, hiro and josh

post show interview

post show interview