Currents: November 2012

Reminiscences of the Russia Lithuania tour

They've still made a little comment about the trip but judging from it, the tour was quite fantastic. In Moscow and Vilnius, they played in front of jazz audience and got enthusiastic response. In Riga, Latvia, they visited the JZ Microphone factory and utterly impressed by their professionalism and commitment for quality. Riga is also a town of beauty and they would like to return some day. Sankt Peterburg is the place where it was the first time for all members, even Makigami, to be there. Beside two performances (which turned out great), the city was up to their expectations indeed. They went to see the Museum (need not to mention where), and some monuments for the great figures of Russian literature, that is, to be more precise, Dostoevsky and Nabokov. Overall, it seems to be a great tour and great experience. More road stories are expected at their next gig on November 7 at Star Pine's Cafe, Kichijoji, Tokyo.


In-store Event at Tower Record Shibuya

Unfortunately, drummer Sato couldn't make it, but other than that, it was success. It was the first time appearance for them in Tokyo since September so the place was packed. The band did a nearly one-hour set, mostly the numbers from their latest album, Uragoe. At first, the absence of the drummer was evidently affected the performance. Surprisingly, the number they picked for the first tune was "Fude o Fure, Kanata-Kun" [Wave the Brush, Mr. Beyond] which is a heavily rhythmical composition. Naturally, it turned out to lack something desired and sound so strange, though it showed the band's fearlessness. But after that, the band got used to the situation, and the audience seemed to overcome its uneasiness and started cheering. They even did an encore. After the main set, the audience wanted more. After the band returned to bandstand, several in the audience shouted Pike. They took it and played the tune, backed with the crowd clapping enthusiastically. After the performance, there's a long line of fans with albums, waiting to be autographed.


Makigami visit Tuva in early December

It is the second time he visit the Republic in Siberia this year. He invited to join a pop music festival held in Kyzyl, the capital city of Tuva. His appearance will be at The Drama Theater on December 1, 2012. Go see him if you were nearby.