Description
Gemini,a new band formed around Shigetoshi Otake (Cro-Magnon), creates a unique instrumental jazz-funk sound that fuses diverse musical elements such as 70s jazz and soul, the beat/groove sensibility of hip-hop and beyond, the dynamism of South American music, the essence of smoky reggae/dub, and the thrill of improvisation/jam sessions. Their 1st full album « zed » is being released as a limited edition vinyl by Jazzy Sport.
Gemini is a super session band comprised of talented musicians who have supported the Japanese music scene, centered around Shigetoshi Otake, drummer of cro-magnon, and including Shoji Ishiguro, bassist of Inushiki, Ryuta Koshino, guitarist of Razoku, Shota Hishiyama, keyboardist of urb/Soil&Hemp Sessions, Yohei Takada, percussionist who has been active in numerous major festivals, and Taiga Tanimoto, saxophonist/flute player of Sanabagun.
Rooted in 70s jazz and soul, the album « zed » showcases an overwhelming, raw groove born from the chemical reaction of players transcending genres and generations. Their undeniable musicianship and improvisational skills intersect to present a new possibility for contemporary band sounds.
« Kalavinka » is a Latin percussive mellow jazz groove that weaves together a superb theme phrase overflowing with soul, while also allowing listeners to enjoy exquisite electric piano and guitar solos.
« Glowin' » is a mellow percussive jazz-funk groove that, led by a jet-black bassline, pulsates with a beat/groove that will also appeal to hip-hop ears, featuring « KOSHINO »-esque fusion guitar, resonating electric piano, and heartwarming flute solos.
« Shadow of the Tiger » is a warm and groovy jazz-funk track that resonates with the listener, with a dynamic groove that exquisitely weaves improvisation into a loop-like feel, while captivating solos from electric piano, saxophone, and guitar intertwine.
« Watch Your Step » evokes a dark and lustrous nighttime moment with its Latin percussive mellow jazz groove, interwoven with subtly alluring electric piano, psychedelic trippy guitar, and graceful saxophone solos.
« Kind of Green » offers a laid-back reggae/dub groove and a psychedelic, mellow jazz-funk flavor, all delivered with a jam-like feel.
Following the neo-soul, jazzy « Skit #1, » comes a superb cover of Joe Henderson’s 1963 masterpiece « Recorda-Me, » an Afro-Cuban dance track from « Page One, » featuring soulful and lustrous electric piano and saxophone solos, infused with 70s jazz-funk flavor—the only cover track on this album.
« Gatti, » opens with a dub/psychedelic and spiritual feel, followed by a laid-back, groovy, heartwarming jazz world, and the mellow jazz-funk « Skit #2, » which evokes a warm sense of hope.
A new masterpiece has been born, imbued with an exquisite, evergreen, and freshly exciting contemporary jazz-funk sound, created through the interplay of a dynamic rhythm section that incorporates improvisation while centering on a post-hip-hop beat/groove sensibility, and rich performances featuring solos on electric piano, saxophone/flute, and guitar.
The limited-edition analog version will be mastered for analog by Taiji Okuda, who has also worked with artists such as Cro-Magnon, Tabito Nanao, Tempalay, Cero, and Ikuko Harada, resulting in a superb product that allows you to experience its rich and dynamic sound in a more immersive way.
