DJ Kawasaki’s ‘One World’: A Live Album Experience
Japanese DJ Kawasaki, a prominent figure in Tokyo’s underground club scene, has released his new album, ‘One World’. Known for his meticulous NYC-influenced club sounds and incorporation of live instrumentation, Kawasaki’s music is characterized by its organic feel. His previous work has been released on prestigious labels like the Japanese branches of Blue Note and Columbia Records, alongside Sonar Kollektiv, Especial, and Pantone. His signature sound blends jazz, funk, soul, disco, Latin music, classic house, and garage music.
A Live Album, Eleven Years in the Making
‘One World’ stands out for its remarkably live sound. Every note across the entire album was a live performance. The album features guest performances from a notable ensemble of musicians. This includes Sauce81 (Eglo Records), renowned jazz vocalist Ayana, the Kyoto Jazz Sextet, Kenichi Ikeda of Root Soul, and Hiderow Nishioka of Central. This new album follows his critically acclaimed 2010 release, ‘Paradise,’ marking an eleven-year gap between studio albums. While digitally available since summer, the vinyl version recently arrived in stores due to recent manufacturing and shipping delays.
Standout Tracks
While the album is cohesive, several tracks offer particularly compelling listening experiences. The high-energy ‘Sun Run & Sun’, the jazz-funk inflections of ‘Now It Comes’, and the deep basslines and powerful chords of ‘Midnight Escape’ are particularly noteworthy.
Kawasaki’s Career and Influence
With a four-decade career, Kawasaki has collaborated with artists including Mark De Clive-Lowe, Phil Asher, KON, Rasmus Faber, and Lady Alma. His long-running nights at Shibuya’s The Room club have cemented its reputation as a haven for soulful dance music enthusiasts in Tokyo.
Read also: How to Build a Successful DJ Brand from Scratch?
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