Exclusive Interview with Kyoto Jazz Massive

Siam2nite had the opportunity to have an exclusive interview with Yoshi Okino, shortly before his performance at Cosmic Cafe (RCA) on 19th July and Moose (Ekamai) on 20th July.

Together with your brother Shuya you form the group Kyoto Jazz Massive, a group that has pioneered the way for Japanese Club Jazz/Crossover music in the early 90's. How did you get in touch with Jazz in the first place and what inspired you to transform it and make it suitable for a club environment?

I don’t remember when I got in touch exactly.... When I was kid, I was still listening Pop music. The first impact was Steely Dan - an American jazz rock/rock band. When I first heard that music, it became the reason to be devoted to Jazz Influenced music for sure. I was also influenced by the Dance Jazz & Rare Groove Movement from London of the early 90’s.

The name “Kyoto Jazz Massive” was given by DJ Gilles Peterson. How did that come about?

When he came to Kyoto for the first time for a "Straight No Chaser" music magazine party, We asked for his signature and told him that we are Jazz DJ’s based in Kyoto. He then gave us his signature and write our name = Kyoto Jazz Massive. We immediately decided it would be our DJ group name.

How would you describe your own music in just a few words? Does the music you produce differ from what you play when you perform as DJ?

We play many different types of music, like Jazz, Soul, Boogie, Brazilian, Latin, House, Hip Hop and so on, it's difficult to name just one. But we want to call it “Quality Music”. But “Jazz/Crossover Music” is intelligible.

In 2002 Kyoto Jazz Massive’s critically acclaimed debut album “Spirit Of The Sun” was released, in 2004 you were one out of 4 Japanese DJs involved in the “Inspiration” mix album and in 2009 you were the DJ behind the 3rd edition of the ESP DJ Classic mix album series. Are you currently working on something new? What’s on your agenda for the near future?

We just finished a DJ Mix Compilation for a NY based House music record label called “King Street”. It’s called “Abstract Jazz Lounge” and will be released very soon I think. We are also working on a new album now!!!

Out of all tracks you have made or remixed, which tracks would you recommend to someone that is not yet familiar with your music?

Hard to say which track. But I recommend our full band live movie on YouTube. It’s good for new listeners.

Besides DJing and producing music you run the records label Especial Records. What can you tell us about the record label, its orientation and its artists?

We have artist like Shuya Okino, DJ KAWASAKI, Root Soul, Kyoto Jazz Massive and many more. Our mission is introducing Quality Music to the market.

You travel a lot. What are the essential things you need to have with you at all times and what are the things you miss when you are on tour?

A required thing is “encounter”, which means I'm always looking forward to meet new people and discover new music at each place. And I miss Japanese food on tour.

What was the best and the worst gig you ever played and what was the funniest thing ever occurred during any of your performances?

I have been to over 100 cities, there are lot’s of stories to tell, but telling them all would take too long.

On 19th and 20th July you will play two exclusive gigs here in Bangkok at Cosmic Café (RCA) and Moose (Ekamai). Have you visited Thailand before? Will your performances be your Bangkok debut?

I've been to Bangkok twice already and always had a great time!!!!

Are you adventurous if it comes to food? Do you try the local dishes of the countries you travel to, or do you usually eat what you know from home? Will you give spicy Thai food a chance?

I always try local food and already like Thai food. My promoter Natty is bringing me to the best places for Thai food!!!

What can Bangkok expect of your performances?

I will bring music in the style of “Kyoto Jazz Massive”. Just come to see me and enjoy the music & vibe.