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Dave Sinclair and Friends Mini Live |  |
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Flying Teapot, Ekoda, Tokyo April 12, 2004 |
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Dave Sinclair (K) Chizuko Ura (Vo) Hideyuki Shima (B) Kazuki Iida (K) |
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It was a bliss for us long time fans of so called Canterbury music. In a rather informal atmosphere at a basement cafe called "Flying Teapot" in Ekoda, a small town in the western part of Tokyo, Dave Sinclair performed some of his favorite songs with members of SIX NORTH, a Kyoto based jazz/rock band led by bassist Hideyuki Shima. In fact it happened coincidentally as Dave Sinclair visited Hideyuki Shima in Kyoto for his love of the cherry blossoms in full bloom in early April, the two got an idea of recording and performing together. They took "Always There", a new song by Dave, originally performed by Dave and his cousin Richard Sinclair, and brought it to studio for additional vocals by Six North vocalist Chizuko Ura who also wrote additional Japanese lyrics. Encouraged by the success of the recording, they set out to schedule one performance each in Osaka and Tokyo.SIX NORTH (http://www.h5.dion.ne.jp/~sixnorth/) has released two albums on MUSEA label: "I'm Here in My Heart" ('00) and "Prayer" ('03). While their musical foundation is found in Jazz, various elements of progressive rock, especially that from the Canterbury scene, are incorporated as an integral part of the structural aspect of compositions. In fact "Richard" from "Prayer" album, a dedication to Richard Sinclair, segues into "Fitter Stoke Has a Bath", by HATFIELD AND THE NORTH, and features the keyboards of Dave Sinclair. Each one of the members demonstrates exceptional dexterity on each of the instruments, which together with crafty compositions brings a great listening experience. Some of the members participate in other bands such as, among others, "Budderfly" and "String Arguments". Both albums are released on POSEIDON label and available for purchase through its distribution channel MUSIC TERM (http://www.musicterm.jp) 
The venue in Tokyo was set in the cozy basement cafe of "Flying Teapot", a gathering place for local prog fans. Though small, the cafe boasts extensive collection of CDs from every corner of the world, and a great sounding stereo set. Upon the walls there are photos and paintings by emerging artists. The audience of 50 crowded in front of the line of keyboards and PAs with happy but anxious look on their faces. Nearly everyone must have come straight from work, as it happened on a Monday, and if I were there unknowing of the event I would have thought a business convention was on.Everyone sent heart felt cheer as the band came up and took their positions. Dave at his keyboard in one corner, with Hideyuki Shima and Chizuko Ura to his left side and Kazuki Iida, on the support keyboard, on the far left. Dave took the microphone and thanked everyone for coming, and introduced the band and the first song. In fact he introduced each songs personally, which was another entertaining aspect of this event. Hideyuki took the labor of translating his speech in Japanese, which was quite nice for those fluent only in Japanese. Songs played were 1) That Day, 2) Lost in the Woods, 3) O Caroline, 4) Peace in Time, and 5) Always There. Of all the songs marvelously presented, with the virtuoso electric piano of Dave, sweet and passionate vocals of Chizuko, lush strings and organ of Kazuki, and eloquent bass of Hideyuki, the highlight of the event came as "O Caroline", the MATCHING MOLE anthem, was performed, in a new and different way. The song was extended with vocal exchange between Chizuko and the audience in a way most reminding of gospel singers. After 30 years the tender Caroline has picked up soulful color on her face. Dave introduced "Peace in Time" from "Full Circle" as a song which featured the vocal of Naomi Harada, whom Dave expected to find in the audience but didn't appear to be. However as the band was about to strike the first note she came down the entrance staircase and was promptly brought to join the chorus with Chizuko. That was a miraculous moment to behold. 
The whole live show only lasted a little less than 40 minutes but it certainly was the more blissful of all the blissful times had by Canterbury music fans. After the show everyone was given opportunity to meet and greet with Dave, who diligently autographed the fresh-out-of-studio CDR copies of "Always There" given away at the door. For many of us it was certainly a moment of dreams come true: to meet our hero in person.After all Dave Sinclair and SIXNORTH turned out to be a perfect match. In fact, there are discussions underway for them to record a new album jointly later this year. They are likely to form a new band under a name other than SIXNORTH, with a good chance of other UK musicians to join as guests, including Percy Jones of BRAND X and TUNNELS fame. Although label contract for release is to be negotiated, when the album comes out it will be a must have for every progressive rock fan. Also, Dave is scheduled to come back in Tokyo in October to play with OPABINIA, the very band that played with Richard Sinclair in 2002. That will be another great event that is by all means not to be missed. Lastly but no less importantly, it won't do justice without mentioning that this fabulous website, including the video clip, is a creation of Kowki Takahara of Sky-Sea Inc. As a multimedia artist he has produced numerous photographs including the portraits of Dave Sinclair on the back cover of "Full Circle" and "Into the Sun", as well as Dave's English official website. Also he has created CD cover artwork for P.Model (Japan) and Pekka Pohjola (Finland) among others, and films of bands such as Gong (England) and Banco del Muttuo Soccorso (Italy). His live concert video shootings count over 150 throughout Japan, USA and Europe, and his background video images for live shows have been viewed by a great number of concert attendees. |
| (Tatsurou Ueda) |
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Sky-Sea Music homepage : http:/music.sky-sea.net SIXNORTH Home Page : http://www.h5.dion.ne.jp/~sixnorth/ Poseidon Production : http://www.musicterm.jp/poseidon/ |
About the writer Tatsurou Ueda is a connoisseur of creative music and art. As a music writer he regularly contributes to music information website Global Artist Network (http://www.global-artist.net) and Poseidon Production, and co-authored progressive rock guidebook "200CD Progressive Rock"(Rippuh Shoboh, 2001). While working full time as a business development manager at one of the largest multinational information technology companies, he acts as the manager of International Affairs for Japanese progressive rock band KENSO (http://www1.u-netsurf.ne.jp/~kenso/), often making himself available as a helping hand for other musicians in need of multi-language communications. |
 When you click this photo, then you can see a movie. (RealMovie 240*180 8.1MB) |
"Always there" This is a real movie. So you need a real movie player. If you don't have a player, please download from this site.  Video & Photo : Visualized by Sky-sea Inc. Kowki Takahara Eiichi Takagi |
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(C) 2004 Sky-Sea Inc. All Rights Reserved. |