VITYAZZ "11034" CD

A new generation of jazz movement can be seen all over the world, including Kamasi Washington and Thundercat, who were produced by Brainfeeder, the most important label in the current LA scene, and GoGo Penguin, who stepped up from Manchester's emerging jazz label Gondwana to the prestigious Bluenote. Japan is no exception to this trend, and among the many new generation artists active, the latest to appear is VITYAZZ!

Formed in 2015 as a three-piece band consisting of Nakagawa Yoshiyuki (Guitar, Voice), Kasai Toru (Bass, Electronics), and Abe Hiroki (Drums). While each member is active as a musician, they began their activities to expand the boundaries of the "instrumental" genre with modern jazz sounds, complex yet physical grooves incorporating polyrhythms and odd time signatures, and instrumental vocalizations. In live performances and music videos, they have also been engaged in expressive activities that are similar to installations, such as collaborations with VJ images and contemporary dance, in which "the space itself is experienced as a work of art." In 2017, they released the single "Orbits" exclusively for download (now unavailable), and have been performing live mainly in Tokyo, attracting attention for their crossover sound from new generation jazz to post-rock. In 2019, Hasune An (Voice), who participated as a guest act, joined as an official member, and the long-awaited first full album will be released in June.

■Track list