Ryota tells me, "I'm originally from Saitama next to Tokyo but now I live in Central Tokyo." You'd think you could guess the reason for the name Jazztronik with the modern equipment together with a 'traditional' piano/keyboard based band set up but he says, "To my mind it means... more than standard jazz... like the new sounds of jazz..."

And his approach to 'new sounds' caught him off guard when the title track, 'Samurai' was voted onto Gilles Peterson's top 20 for 2004? "I didn't expect that to happen at all." So it's perhaps no surprise that when asked about his favourite track from the album he says, "I like everything and I'm proud of everything on the album but most of all probably 'Samurai' itself. I love playing it in the live band and as a DJ. Nowadays, it always gets a crazy reaction, which is strange when you know that when I first had made the track that night I played it at my DJ gig and the reaction was nothing! Now people go wild!"

The record company, Pantone, are releasing 'Froro' as a 12" S.U.M.O remix. I've not heard it in full but there's a snippet on the S.U.M.O web site (see links below) whilst Ryota says "Yes I've heard the mix and like it. I think it's good for the clubs and people know S.U.M.O. producers so it's all good." In this case, S.U.M.O. is not the Japanese wrestling tradition but a couple of Scandinavian 'rebouncers'. Apparently, it stands for Swedish Underfed Music Operators. The 12" is due out 18th April with 'Phoenix' on the b-side.

And whilst 'Samurai' is launched this week, he has already started recording the next album in Japan. Intriguingly, he says, "I will come to London to record some of this," so there may be possibilities of collaborations? We'll have to wait and see.

Regarding influences that have impressed him live in Japan, perhaps it's a surprise to hear, "I saw Sting and I was completely blown away by that..." before mentioned some obvious keyboard maestros: "like George Duke and Stevie Wonder who were amazing."

And on the subject of live gigs and touring, he has, "already been to many countries in Europe and I've been to London a few times. I do want at some point to spend some time in UK soon though rather than just visit. The full band tour now looks like it will be in November/December."

A Jazztronic tour sounds great and hopefully Fly will be able to cover it. Thanks to Ryota for putting some flesh on the album and what's happening with Jazztronik. Also many thanks to Yuki Weston for translation services.

Links:
Saitama
Pantone
S.U.M.O. Recent Remix album 'S.U.M.O. - REBOUNCES' and there's a clip of Froro on their site to listen to. Very tribal.
Nik Weston www.nikweston.co.uk