Courtney Pine

November 6

Within the past ten years or so, British soul, jazz and even R&B music have become undeniable and refreshing alternatives to that produced stateside.

Without many of the ideological confines, or prefabricated genres favored by most U.S. labels, many (afro-) British acts have found unique and inspiring voices over the din of sound-alikes. No one better embodies the dramatic transformation in the British Jazz scene over the past fifteen years than Courtney Pine.

The saxophonist (who also plays flute and bass clarinet) heads a new generation of exciting and innovative musicians who have chosen to turn their talents to the demanding requirements of jazz music, in all its shapes and forms.

Since his debut album, "Journey to the Urge Within" in 1987, which was the first serious jazz album ever to make the British Top 40, Courtney Pine has been recognized as the leading figure in the British jazz scene as well as a trailblazer in his use of electronic and traditional styles.

His recordings have won numerous awards, and his projects draw interest from a talented variety of musicians- he’s collaborated with Cassandra Wilson, Jeff “Tain” Watts, DJ Pogo, and Roni Size.

He visits Japan, and then the Philippines, in support of his CD “Devotion,” which was released on October 6th.
@ Osaka Blue Note
19:00 and 21:30, ¥7500
Tel: 06-6342-7722

Santana

November 6, 8

This month you are invited to witness the ongoing supernatural event known as the second coming of Carlos Santana.

Having captured the attention of the younger masses (and re-captured that of the older) a few years back with his highly acclaimed “Super-natural” disc, propelled by the relentlessness of such singles as “Maria Maria,” and “Smooth (featuring Rob Thomas of Matchbox 20),” Mr. Santana continues his comeback magic with his latest release, “Shaman.”

The verdict is that if you liked the former-and nearly all of us did-, the latter won’t disappoint. Guests on the new release include Michelle Branch, Ozomatli, Macy Gray, Angelique Kidjo, and Wyclef Jean. Indeed, adhering to this successful formula, much of his new material is buoyed by the ample guest appearances of other popular artists.

Prince’s favorite guitarist promises a flavorful and soulful mixture of afro-cuban, rock, funk, blues, pop, world music and whatever lies between. Oh yeah- and some of the tastiest guitar-playing you’re likely to hear. After Hong Kong and Bangkok, Santana’s mini-Asian/North American tour stops here in Osaka. Heed the Shaman.

November 6 @ Festival Hall: 19:00, ¥8000/¥8500
November 8, Namba Hatch: 18:30, ¥8500
Tel: 06-6341-4506

Sean Paul

November 19

The hypnotic sounds of Sean Paul have already earned the young reggae star a permanent place in Jamaica’s musical pantheon. “Dancehall reggae is not just about the killer riddims; people the world over love the way we speak. This music is here to kick up the bass and burn up the place. I’m talking on behalf of all dancehall,” says the rising music phenomenon.

As of his arrival at Namba Hatch on November 19th, Sean is now leading the influential hip-hop flavored dancehall form fully into the American mainstream. His breakthrough single “Gimme the Light” late last year took U.S. radio stations and video channels by storm.

Since his career started exploding in 1996, first in Jamaica, (with the release of “Baby Girl”) then among hard-core dancehall fans in New York, Miami and even London, he has gained popularity with each passing month. His song-writing, rapping skills and charisma have made him especially popular among the ladies.

Sean was named Best Reggae Artist of the Year at the MOBO Awards in London, and “Gimme the Light” won the High Times 2002 Doobie Award. “I see dancehall reggae and hip hop as fused together,” Sean says. “When I was a kid, they were the two kinds of music that spoke to me and said MOVE!”

Mr. Paul will be moving the crowd to tunes from his 2nd release, the infectious “Dutty Rock,” at Namba Hatch on November 19,
19:00. Entry: ¥8000
Tel: 06-6341-4506

Super Furry Animals

November 20

The fact that “Super Furry Animals” (and certainly “SFA”) is both pronouncible and memorable and the band members’ individual names- Gruff Rhys, Huw Bunford, Cian Ciaran, Guto Pryce, and Dafydd Ieuan- are, ...well, not quite, adds a satisfying dissonant layer to the growing mythology of an extremely exciting Welsh band.

On the heels of their sixth release, “Phantom Power,” the genre-splicing quintet delivers its infectious brand of ambitious and intelligent psychedelic pop to Osaka this month. Sometimes compared to The Beatles and The Beach Boys for their shimmering harmonies and pop sensibilities, they deftly employ synthesizers, and samplers to create their unique sound.

Their previous release, “Rings Around The World,” was hailed as a masterpiece, for its seamless weaving together of wry humor, raw guitar power, lush melodies, melancholia and seemingly irreconcilable sonic styles.

“People say music is going to change the world. we wouldn’t cause a revolution, but it would be good background music,” says Gruff Rhys, lead vocalist.

Although “Phantom Power” was just released this past July, it has already received luminous praise by the major European Music publications as well as a growing number of critics stateside.

SFA reaches Osaka in the midst of a tour on the release’s momentum. Expect an evening of innovative sardonic pop delight from Super Furry Animals!

@ Big Cat, Osaka
19:00, ¥6000
Tel: 06-6341-4506

Live Listings November

Karl Leister
@Matsukata Hall Classical 15:00, ¥5000
Tel: 06-6345-2751 11/2

Zebrahead
@Namba Hatch
18:00, ¥6500
Tel: 0570-02-9999
11/3

German Symphony Orchestra
@Symphony Hall Classical
19:00, ¥6000-¥15000
Tel: 06-6345-2751
11/3, 11/4

Ahmad Jamal
@Osaka Blue Note
Jazz Piano
18:00/20:30 & 19:00/21:30, ¥8000
Tel: 06-6342-7722
11/5

Victor Wooten
@Big Cat
Funk/Jazz
19:30, ¥4000
Tel: 06-6258-5008
11/6

Santana
@Festival Hall Rock/latin/soul
19:00, ¥8000/¥8500
Tel: 06-6341-4506
11/8

Santana
@Namba Hatch Rock/Latin/Soul
18:30, ¥8500
Tel: 06-6341-4506
11/6, 11/8

Manhattan Transfer
@ Osaka Blue Note
Jazz Vocals
19:00/21:30, ¥12000
Tel: 06-6342-7722
11/9

Buffalo Daughter
@Club Quattro Alternative Pop/Rock
19:00, ¥4000
Tel: 06-6535-5569
11/9

Sonny Rollins
@Sankei Hall
Jazz Vocals
17:00, ¥5500/¥6500
Tel: 06-6341-1171
11/10

Neil Young and Crazyhorse
@Osaka-Jo Hall Rock
Tel: 06-6341-4506
11/13

Metallica
@Osaka-Jo Hall
Heavy Metal/Rock 19:00, ¥7500/8000
Tel: 0570-02-9999
11/17

Air Supply
@Grand Cube Osaka Pop/Rock
19:00, ¥7500
Tel: 06-6374-6369
11/17,19,20

Eric Clapton
@Osaka-Jo Hall Blues/Rock/Pop 19:00, ¥8000/¥9000
Tel: 06-6341-4506
11/19

Take 6
@ Muse Hall Capella/Gospel/Jazz/Pop
20:00, ¥3000
Tel: 06-6245-5065
11/20

Czech Philharmonic Orchestra
@Symphony Hall
Classical
19:00, ¥4000-¥10000
Tel: 06-6345-2751
11/21

Zeebra
@Namba Hatch
Hip Hop
19:00, ¥4500
Tel: 06-6341-3525
12/1

Beethoven's 9th-cast of 10000
@Osaka-Jo Hall Classical
15:00, ¥4500
Tel: 06-6233-8771
12/2

Yo La Tengo
@Club Quattro
Rock
19:00, ¥5500
Tel: 06-6535-5569