OK, So I know I am writing this little blog well after the fact.
But this was the final show of the whole Japan tour and pretty much the final show of the ‘Good Times with Evil’ Tour. It had been an amazing time touring out the album and I was sooo happy to have been to the places and seen the things I had seen. It’s tough sometimes to equate success but I know that I’ve enjoyed the experience and life on the road has been an exceptional one.
Soo many happy memories.
Adam Erdossy - Baritone Sax
For my final show in Japan I was joined by a guest and good friend Adam Erdossy. This was to be our final show together for god knows how long and it was a true joy to be able to go out in this way.
I started the set with a couple of solo tunes ‘Pish’ (From the album of the tour ‘Good Times with Evil’) and ‘The Distance From Ear to Ear’.
But from that point forward it was Adam and myself enjoying the experience of sharing a stage.
Club Crawl Setlist
The songs selected for the duo part of the set were by Adam who has a keenness for my Debut album ‘Autonomous Debut’. So we played 2 tunes from that and ended with the riff-tastic ‘You know the score’.
Following the show I felt a little subdued and the gravity of my return to the UK and life off the road was imminent. After telling myself it’s what I wanted. I now wasn’t so sure.
Little did I realise my experience in the studio would be 4 times more work than I was anticipating 🙂
The gig that turned into what will be one of my most joyous memories of the Tokyo leg.
For much of my duration in Tokyo I’d been lucky enough to be housed by my friend Callum Grant. A legend of a man who is a budding musician himself. Many post show rituals would involve a quite whisky or two whilst the world would slowly be put to rights. Often we would bypass some of the issues considered to be pressing by some and the debate would stray into more personally urgent matters. For example the pros and cons to weather or not a zombie should be entitled the right to run.
Running Zombies - Weird or Wonderful?? It's an epic debate only underpinned by global warming and one or two other things
Anyway aside from Preparation for Zday. We had a show together in the wonderful Cafe Mignon located a short bus ride from Callums apartment. There we were joined not just by Eric Gebow who is a steady drummer and experimental effects wizard but also Adam Erdossy who has joined me multiple times with his Baritone Sax.
Brett Gillen (Samishi Cowboys)
And to add to the mix was Brett Gillen who opens the night with a short but very entertaining set. He plays as a part of the group Samishi Cowboys and has been actively writing and performing where ever his work takes him.
Callum Grant (Callum's Whisky Tales)
Next up was Callums Whisky Tales. Well Callum and Eric to be precise. Now about 2 3rds of the way through recording their debut album and fresh off of a host of recent shows in Tokyo the band have developed to be super tight. The atmosphere in the cafe was really intimate and the  audience are so closely involved in the performance that Callum’s ukulele songs really worked wonders for the atmosphere. Callum also embraced the intimacy well and invited audience member Shoichi to contribute to the songs on Guitar and a self made recorder looking device.
Eric Gebow (Callum's Whisky Tales)
Erics playing on his pre war vintage kit were tasteful and methodical yet spontaneous enough to work in audience clap alongs and at one point a duet with Shoichi with he and Eric both playing Omnichords.
Shouichi Tomomori - Guitar, Omnichord, Flute
By the time it came to my set I was honestly overwhelmed with the turn out for the show and with the feeling that a great collection of people were crossing paths and that I was lucky enough to be a part of it. Member of the audience included Kodo Drummers who were in town with their own performances.
Eric joined me on the kit for the first couple of songs before Daniel Karras stepped into improvise.
Daniel Karras
I blasted through a couple more numbers with Daniel and we were then joined by Adam. Shouichi was also a guest musician for the duration of my set adding lines and textured to my set on a host of various instruments.
Adam Erdossy
The set was mostly older material in order to give the guest musicians  the possibility of having a slight if only distant connection to the material.
Cafe Mignon Setlist
A brief moment or two of the night are captured here from Callums iPhone. You can get a perspective of just how small Cafe Mignon is and also you see that the entire night was a dreamscape soundtrack for Adam’s baby son who managed to sleep right through the whole thing 🙂
Into my final week of shows in Japan I once again return to Club Goodman.
I again hear my friend Goga play who is awesome with his style and l loops. We toured in the UK together and to hear peoples reactions to his shows was always fun as two very different cultures would clash.
Gogatech in Action - Reunited after our time on the road together in the UK
For the final show we did together in the UK. Goga joined me for my encore and I threw him a curve ball of playing an instrumental in the Key of D. We jammed it out and for me personally it was a nice moment.
I hadn’t touched on this piece again until I had some time to focus on completing it. This time came earlier into the Japan run and it was with this performance that I was able to open with the song now titled ‘World is Plenty’. Of course it was dedicated to Goga.
Club Goodman Setlist - Only unreleased material except one song.
Sangenjaya was my next destination in the South Western Quarter of Tokyo where the culture of the area leans away from the businesslike emphasis and the traditional temples and shrines.
Instead we are seeing examples of the art and alternative culture side of this great city.
A Fine example of the unique landscape separating the South West of Tokyo apart. This is on the road between Sangenjaya and Shimo-Kitazawa. There's a girl in his outstretched hand.
Not located too far away is Shimokitazawa where I have played many shows during my times in the country. I regard Shimo as to Tokyo what Camden Town or Brick Lane would be to London. A mecca of venues and cafe’s and clothes and music shops. So Sangenjaya still has hints of that itself.
The venue is located on the very top floor of a building concealed behind the main parade of shops. It is owned by a very cool couple who love the bands and are actively musical themselves. This will be my 3rd time playing here and I feel so fortunate to have made friends with such a cool place.
In side A-Bridge. On the stage behind where I'm playing is a lush view of the Tokyo Skyline.
My set is prodominantly new material. Just one song from my 2nd and 3rd albums.
A - Bridge Setlist
I was really happy with the attendance for this night as many people who had seen me on previous show in Tokyo shows up to support me and hear me again
Onstage during the show - Photo taken by Satoko Ando
This is my second time sharing the stage with Genz. They are signed to the label owned by the man who also owns the venue.
Genz Performing at A-Bridge - Another example of the City Backdrop
On the whole I felt it went. After the show I was only my own trying to get back to my friend Callum’s place in Shimokitazawa. He was nice enough to give me a roof but unfortunatly I was not forward thinking enough to plan in advance. Despite being a reletivly simple trip with only a couple of train changes I nearly didn’t make it to my last train on time.
Sangenjaya Train Staion - The start of my confusing return journey
Eventually I all turned out ok but despite how comfortable I think I’ve become travelling around the City. I can still VERY easily get lost.
And so back at Toppers. A place run by musicians for anyone with a love for live music.
A saviour for anybody in this field of work.
For this show tonight I had the pleasure playing with Steve Marcotte on Bass, Graham Taylor on Tenor Sax and towards the end of the night we were also joined by Eiji Hayashi on keys.
Below is a video of a song from earlier in the night of us as a trio performing a song from my 3rd album ‘Good Times With Evil’. This song is called ‘Sleep Tight’.
Being on the road solo for the last 18 months has made me really appreciate the joys of sharing the stage with other players.
Back in the UK I have been fortunate enough to work with such a wonderful cast of musicians who have made the live experience a joy and have made my records sound the way I`ve always hoped. This is no more evident than on my latest long player `Good Times With Evil` where we rehearsed and honed the songs intensely for days before recording the bulk of the record live in one day (Mostly in one take).
To hear me with these guys you can check this vid out here
However my budget dictates that my tours abroad must be solo and so it give me great pleasure to be able to send some Kudos to some of the great players I`ve had the pleasure to share a stage with here in Japan.
Graham Taylor - Tenor Sax
Graham was born in Oxfordshire UK and has travelled round the world playing professionally for years now. We first met in Chiba Bar Toppers where he introduced me to the awesome Japanese Jazz combo Soil & Pimp Sessions. His playing style is wonderfully expressive and It`s truly been a pleasure to share a stage with him on multiple occasions.
Eiji Hayashi (Tony) - Keys
Eiji (Tony) was attending shows for a while before word got to me how accomplished he was as a keys player. He bought a copy of my 3rd album and a week later turned up to a show with score sheets he had notated from the record. He speaks very little English and I very little Japanese. But that matters little as the understanding is their in the music.
Adam Erdossy (Front Centre) - Baritone Sax, Drums
It aaaaallllllll started with Adam. Back in 09 on only the second day of my first tour of Japan I attended an open mic night in Shibuya Tokyo where I put out an open invitation to any drummers in the building to jump on stage and get involved. Adam rose to the challenge and later I discovered he also plays Baritone Sax. So we`ve shared a stage many times since then.
Shinya Asakura - Sitar
The Story with Shinya dates right back to 2007 in New Zealand. My first tour outside of the UK and I`m booked into a cafe in Auckland called 121. Shinya is working there and so prior to the show we spend the day hanging out drinking too much coffee and enjoying many musical tangents. Then we never meet again. Cut to 3 years later and the first show of my 3rd Japan tour and who should be opening with a solo Sitar performance. The world works in mysterious ways and to meet Shinya again by chance warranted the sharing of a stage for sure.
Haco - Voice, Koas Pad, Many Crazy Out of My Understanding Sounds
Where to begin??!?. I`ve been a fan of Haco`s music for years and in late 2010 I was lucky enough to meet her and to play with her. We performed an improvisation show together creating 35 mins of ambience and psychedelic crazyness. One of the most affirming moments in my musical journey.
Eric Gebow - Drums, Omnichord, Glockenspiel, Effects
Eric has been drumming for years and has many wonderful stories of his times kerouacing around the US with his many musical projects. He has toured with and shared the studio with Gary Newman and members of Wilco and American Music Club to name a few. His style is unique and original as he dabbles with modern effects and geeks out over pre-war vintage drum sets. He is currently collaborating with Callum`s Whisky Tales and they are nearly finished with their debut album.
Yasushi Kita - Shamisen
One half of NolenNiu-de-Ossi Yasushi is a master of both guitar and Shamisen. I had the pleasure of collaboration with these guys at the 2010 Kansai Music Conference. Since then we have played many times together in Kansai and I hope to one day see them come to the UK.
Toruko Nolen - Accordion, Piano
The other half of NolenNiu-de-Ossi Toruko plays and sings with such character you can`t help but smile and relish the music. The perfect ying to the yang of Yasushi`s vocal and playing style. One of my favourite moments of performing last year was to play an impromptu street performance in Osaka with these guys. Legends!!!
Daniel Karras - Drums
Always thrown in the deep end when we`ve performed together. Daniel is a member of Sorcha and the Sinners and Remedy’s Library and is one of the most tastful musicians I`ve ever heard. Respectful and communicative without words it`s no surprise that of all 4 acts who played the last show I did. All wanted Daniel in to accompany.
You Cross - Tenor Sax
A member of the dub/ska/jazz band Riddimates You is so flamboyant with the Sax it`s just stupid. His live energy is as such that the audiences have been worked to a frenzy by You whilst I`m happy to hold it down and grin.
Yusuke Sugii - Drums
Touring in Kansai I played a venue in Osaka called Socio. The support band for the night were frankly terrible until they brought on a special guest. looking like the coolest mutha on the planet Yusuke sauntered onto the stage and turned the whole show around. I invited him to join me for my set and haven`t looked back. Everytime I visit Kansai I hope to jam with one of the most exciting and unpredictable drummers I have ever met.
Callum Grant - Guitar
Chief Songsmith behind Callum`s Whisky Tales. Callum Grant has become a great friend during my trips to Tokyo and to see his music grow and evolve has been a pleasure. During this tour we`ve finally had the chance to share a stage and to hear him adding inventive riffs and melodies to my songs has been a joy. Whisky`s a plenty to boot.
Robin Dupuy - Cello
Originally from Strasbourg France but currently living in Tokyo Robin was invited by super cool Music Cafe at night and Pet Salon during the day called Cafe Mignon to come and accompany me. He is a wonderfully accomplished player who worked has worked with many artists over the years. Check out his stuff here.
Shouichi Tomomori - Guitar, Omnichord, Flute.
Shouichi is one half of the partnership who own Cafe Mignon in Tokyo. The cafe itself does so much to help rescue and re-house animals effected by the Tsunami last march. Shouichi himself is a wonderful musician who has been professional for many years now and can be found on random videos performing in arenas as a session player from many different popular Japanese artists. He stunned me with his ability and stunned even more when I discovered he has done his homework and nailed the full structures of the songs. Plus like many Japanese musicians. He`s ridiculously modest.
Steve Marcotte - Bass Guitar
Steve has been a friend and fellow music enthusiast for sometime and unfortunately it was only in my most recent tour that we finally shared a stage. Despite minimal rehearsal and the last min addition of songs he`d never had the heads up on. He was still solid as a rock. And why not when you realise how much experience he has playing with bands in the US and Japan. It really was one of my favourite Japan moments to share a stage with Steve, Graham and Eiji as we forgot the script and strayed into wonderful and simple spontaneous jamming.
Naomi Hirata - Chimes
So whilst on tour in Kobe I arrive to play a cafe show to discover they have no PA. There fore no Loop Station usage. Naomi stepped up to the challenge of playing the chimes for `Map of Shibuya`. She did a great job too 🙂
For the entirety of the evening the music played between bands was surprisingly enough ‘Ocean Colour Scene’. Not a band you expect to hear whilst in a dingy Tokyo Suburb Livehouse. But none the less they were a feature of the evening and are one of the most well known bands I have ever shared a billing with.
Ocean Colour Scene - The line up from the tour I supported them on.
My brush with fame occurred back in 2007 when I had just finished my first Australia/New Zealand tour. I returned home to find this show on offer. It was a wonderfully surreal experience for me at the time. Playing to an arena of people on my lonesome. And so in tribute to my memory of that night being evoked I chose to open with the song I opened with on that tour.
The tune is called ‘Note That Says’ and is still currently unreleased. However I managed to break my low E string within the first 5 seconds and pretty much had to stop and apologise. The crowd gave a roar of enthusiasm for my bad luck and were given a further example of OCS whist I rushed to restring.
Meets Setlist
For my final 2 songs I was joined by Callum Grant of ‘Callums Whisky Tales’. He had played a cracking set earlier in the night and it was a pleasure to have him adding his sounds to my tunes ‘Varit’ and ‘Map of Shibuya’. The show ended with an epic ambient jam as myself and Callum Looped and delayed our effected guitar tones.
Stuart O'Connor 