Quasimode is four rising talents from Tokyo, Japan. "Down in the Village", a fantastic cover version of UK jazz hero Tubby Hayes' tune from their debut EP on Raw Fusion, is heavily played by all the major names from Toshio Matsuura, Jazztronik and Kyoto Jazz Massive to Patrick Forge, Mad Mats and Spiritual South. Their LP is going to be released on the Japenese 'Inpartmaint' label soon. High time to meet up with the guys and get to know more about their music, the band and their thoughts on Jazz in Tokyo.
Please introduce yourself; How you four met together, how the band was formed and where the name Quasimode is coming from?
Takashi: Yusuke Hirado (Piano) and Takahiro "Matzz" Matsuoka (Perc) met at the rehearsal of a certain band and they began to form a new band which tasted something more jazzy and new. Takashi Okutsu (Drums) was looking for a new
place to be active when their recruitment article appeared on the Net so he took part in Quasimode. In 2002, Quasimode needed a new bassist and posted another ad online. Kazuhiro Sunaga (Bass), who was also looking for a new band, found it and joined the team. The name of our band "Quasimode" came from Yusuke's idea. He said the word Quasimode meant mix, blend, and so on. He wanted to make the sound eclectic and cool.
What releases have you got so far?
Yusuke: Our tune "oneself-LIKENESS (routine jazz version)" was on [Routine Jazz vol.7] compilation album by DJ Kei Kobayashi which was released last year by Victor Entertainment, Japan.
How did you hook up with Raw Fusion? Can we expect more from You at Mad Mats' label besides the "Down in The Village" EP?
Takashi: Our producer, Masato Komatsu introduced the sound of Quasimode to Inpartmaint. Then, Inpartmaint introduced it to Raw Fusion. Fortunately, Mad Mats liked it very much. We hope to have more on Raw Fusion of course. You should ask Mad Mats about this!
Live performance must be a key part of your sound. How often and where do you usually play live? Which are your fave clubs in Tokyo or in Japan?
Matzz: Because we have been busy recording our new album now, we haven’t had time to do many live performings recently. But we usually do perform live at the main clubs of Tokyo and mainly participate in jazz events at Tokyo area. We have our first 12” release party at "The room", later this month. You can check our site for the live schedule: quasimode.ddo.jp.
The 'New skool' jazz thing is very strong and happening in Japan at the moment, would you share your opionion about the jazz movement there? Is it easy to break through and become respected artists in the jazz scene in Tokyo?
Yusuke: Japanese jazz scene is still conservative, but things are changing day by day. I think that the people who are going to change Japanese jazz scene have started to be more influential. But I want to care about real Jazz manner because I came from the real Jazz scene. And also I want to present new things in the club field. It's not an easy thing to be respected by anyone. All I have to do is keep on learning & practicing.
You are definitely following the steps of bands like Sleepwalker or Soil n Pimp, do they have great influence on you, do you know them personally? Any collaborations in the pipeline?
Takashi: They are very honorable musicians; Of course, we listen to their music. But we don't think we are imitating them. Some of the members of Quasimode know them personally. The collaboration plan is not decided yet.
'Down in the Village' is a cover of UK Jazz hero Tubby Hayes, so its obvious traditional jazz means a lot to all of you. If you had the chance to travel back in time, who would you work or play with?
Yusuke: Miles Davis and Art Blakey. If I could, I would want to be in charge of the piano in Art Blakey's Jazz messengers.
Matzz: Art Blakey is my legend. When I watched Art with a picture for the first time, I was shocked at all in his beating a drum like percussion. And it was a chance to change my thoughts about music. I wish to participate in three parts of African products of his 50's. Also, I love reggae, so I would want to participate in a Jamaican session of 60's and 70's.
Takashi: The legend for me is John Bonham who was the drummer of Led Zeppelin. I would want to play with Freddie Mercury (Queen), Count Basie, and Marvin Gaye if I could go to the past.
Kaz: I want to watch a performance of Ray Brown directly and listen and feel it directly. I want to participate in "flood" of Head Hunters by Herbie Hancock. I also want to go in trace 70 - 80's and want to play disco music.
Can you tell me more about your forthcoming LP? Who wrote the tunes? How do your working process or the recording sessions look like?
Yusuke: All members write songs and bring ideas to the band. Masato (our producer) also brings us his ideas and listens to our ideas. He gives us good musical advices. Then, we talk and play at the rehearsal to find the best way of expressions.
When will the LP come out and what's your future plans after it?
Yusuke: We will have the upcoming full album 'Quasimode' at Inpartmaint around June. After the release, we are going to do a tour in Japan as a promotion. We hope to have an overseas tour, too.
It would be great to see you perfoming live one day in UK and elsewhere, any chance for that in 2006?
Takashi: UK is one of those countries we really want to go to. We do hope we can get the chance to see you there.
Looking forward to it. Thanks a lot for your answers!
All: Our Pleasure!!
Visit the Quasimode HQ at quasimode.ddo.jp.
"Down in the Village/oneself-LIKENESS" will be out soon on Raw Fusion.
Their Lp is forthcoming on Inpartmaint at the end of June.
Many thanks to Taka Kakiuchi (Inpartmaint inc) who made this interview possible.
