Thanks to Phil Catalano for this footage of Tokyo's amazing Koenjihyakkei (aka Hundred Lights of Koenji), making their very first performance outside of Japan right here in WFMU's studio:
The group is led by Tatsuya Yoshida, drummer extrordinaire from the duo known as Ruins, and this larger band is a somewhat more expanded exploration of Ruins' clear fixation for all things Magma (while not actually being a Magma cover band!). Hyper-precise prog blowouts, hairpin curve changes, wailing operatic vocals in a made-up language, it's also a definite trainwreck between ELP, Queen, and Melt Banana and who knows what else. The band has plays tomorrow night the 18th at the Festival Actuelle in Victoriaville, Quebec, and May 20th at the Rough Idea in Toronto before heading home. You can check out the two songs of the WFMU session on Brian's show in Real Audio here. Oh yeah, as amazing as she is, vocalist Aki might want to watch out for this up-and-comer who might steal her gig someday!
Is the reed instrument a soprano sax? I'm thinking of (the other) Kenny G. shown on a smooth jazz station's commerical and it looked smaller, like party favor really.
If it's not, what is it?
Posted by: bartelby | May 17, 2007 at 03:43 PM
The other question is: how many strings are on that bass?
Thanks for having these folks on the air.
Posted by: bartelby | May 17, 2007 at 03:51 PM
yes, it is a soprano sax. 5 strings on the bass. they tore it up in Chicago on tuesday. great show.
Posted by: bobby danger | May 17, 2007 at 05:08 PM
Funny you mention the Kenny G thing, during soundcheck she was treating us jokingly to some smoooooth sounds, cracking everyone up. Glad you enjoyed the set!
Posted by: BrianTurner | May 17, 2007 at 06:26 PM
They sound a lot like Magma!
Posted by: Gustaf | June 27, 2007 at 05:33 AM
Thanks for airing this! They're an excellent Zeuhl band, and I wish they'd tour the States a bit more.
Posted by: Michael | July 20, 2007 at 11:37 AM