The hottest authentic soul jazz band from Fukuoka, UTENA, is here! The first release from EXHUME EXHUME PRODUCTION, a new label run by Horishi FLATT THE LAIDBACK, who also works as a DJ, and releasing works produced by sound production!
Side A is a cover of the Japanese mellow groove classic Natsu Hikari ni/Tasumiko Yamaga with a black, smoky soul-jazz arrangement, and side AA MOON is the ultimate organic new soul song written by vocalist KAYO and composed by guitarist Soraha aka KEIJI. His debut work and signature song, Double Cider, is a double A-side single!
Profile:
Soul jazz band based in Fukuoka. Formed by Yamagiwa Mai (Key), Seigo Takeshita (Dr.), and Toshiyuki Morishige (Bass), each of whom has played a variety of genres of music. 'UTENA' refers to a flat-topped table on which things can be placed. In Buddhist terminology, it means a lotus pedestal on which a Buddha or Bodhisattva is seated. The name was chosen with the hope that it would serve as a beautiful platform for the sensibilities and expressions of the musicians who perform with us.
Based on UTENA, we have held live performances with various guest musicians, and in March 2023, Kayo (Vo) and Akakeiji Soraba (Gt) joined. We began our full-fledged activities as a soul jazz band with a crossover of various elements. In August 2024, under the production of DJ FLATT THE LAIDBACK, he will release his debut 7-inch work, Summer Light /MOON, from the emerging label EXHUME EXHUME PRODUCTION.