Japan is famous for having the largest proportion of jazz fans in the world so therefore it is not surprising that Japan also produces some of the best Jazz musicians in the world as well.
Supporting jazz excellence all over the world, Bird’s Basement Melbourne is therefore delighted host all girl, Japanese music sensation, Tokyo Groove Jyoshi for two nights only on Thursday 11th and Friday 12th of April 2024.
Tokyo Groove Jyoshi was formed in 2018 and consists of top Japanese session musicians, Emi Kanazashi (keyboards/vocals), MiMi Kawakami (drums/vocals) and Rina Hoshino (bass/vocals).
Now a formidable jazz ensemble, Tokyo Groove Jyoshi delivers a tight and compelling groove sound that transcends generations, genders and genres.
Having toured extensively throughout Asia and the United States, Tokyo Groove Jyoshi have ‘made it big in Japan’ at Festivals and Jazz Clubs (Jasu Kissa – literally jazz cafés) and more recently headlined, the Taiwan Sound Wave Festivaland and Singapore’s Sentosa Music Festival’s ‘Jazz by the Cove’.
Tokyo Groove Jyoshi has 64 videos released on YouTube performing a mixture of originals and covers. One of their originals, “Funk No. 1” has over 14 million views! Their Tower of Powers’ ‘What is Hip’ (Twin Bass) cover has over 3 million views.
Tokyo Groove Jyoshi single, ‘Hot Summer’ is ranked No. 1 in the R&B/Soul in iTunes (Turkey) and their EP “Tokyo Groove” is ranked at No. 8 in R&B/Soul in iTunes (Japan)
Ever prolific, Tokyo Groove Jyoshi have just released a new EP “TGJ Grooving and Dancing” and new Single “Dance to the Music” was released late last year is proving to be a big hit in R&B/Soul Top songs on iTunes in Japan and Thailand.
Interestingly, Jazz legend, John Coltrane, whose son Ravi Coltrane launched Bird’s Basement in 2016, recorded his last album in Japan, titled ‘Live in Japan’ in 1966. The album is collector’s item with some of the longest and densest free improvisations in Coltrane’s career. An indication of Coltrane’s deep and abiding love for Japan.
Emi, MiMi and Rina are all dedicated jazz lovers and carry the baton of Jazz appreciation as musicians of excellence, in Japan today.
Emi says, “We are a band that plays groove songs from the 70’s and 80’s, regardless of genre, such as jazz, funk, R&B and city pop.”
Rina says, “We are a three person all girl band where everyone sings and plays funk and soul. There is a lot of variation to your music.”
MiMi says about the forthcoming Australian tour; “I look forward to communicating with local people through music while also learning about Australian culture and history.”
