tokyo black star: fantasy live 1999

Unique 21st Century Galactic Samurai artists TOKYO BLACK STAR are a trio led by New York-based international DJ Alex from Tokyo; Tokyo-based sound engineer / music producer Isao Kumano; and man of mystery / analog equipment otaku / musician Kenichi Takagi. Working from a unique and primarily Japanese perspective, Alex and Isao have been working together on music (and audio products) since the beginning of this century, first on remixes and tracks for compilations and later on EPs (their "Psyche Dance EP" was the first ever release on Dixon and Ame's Berlin based Innervisions imprint back in 2005) and even a high respected line of high end headphones / audio equipment (Phonon). Their first album (still as a duo) was "Black Ships" released in April 2009 by Innervisions. After touring live in Europe the duo started to look at new directions, Kenichi joined bringing another level of analog expertise (especially with his self-made modular synth) making his first appearance on record on the debut world famous label release last Fall - Tokyo Black Star's “Edo Express EP” which received a rave review at NPR for a atypical track - the afro-inspired "Mitokomon." Since then the trio's ship has advanced through the galaxy, absorbing and translating influences from around the solar system and beyond. Now the trio are back with "Fantasy Live 1999" a very special “voyage sonore” in their true retro-futuristic style! For the visual side of this album they have teamed up with their long-time collaborator, the very talented and widely acclaimed New York based Japanese artist Tomokazu Matsuyama who has been creating the Tokyo Black Star visual identity since their first release on Innversions in 2005. In the spirit of long-form masterpieces like Göttsching's "E2-E4", this wonderful first album from the world famous imprint “Fantasy Live 1999” is an epic forty minute long meditative live audio painting for your “mind, body & soul” soundtracking the beautiful psychedelic mix of colors that is Matsuyama’s stunning cover painting. Conceived between 1999 and 2015, the genesis for the album, and the source of it's title is the fact it was started one legendary crazy night when the band tape-recorded an impromptu live performance at a basement bar in the groovy Shimokitazawa neighborhood in Tokyo where Alex used to live. The finished album is a result of further sessions recorded at Kenichi’s studio in Tokyo and mixed at the "phonon* studio in Tokyo last summer. Sit back, chillax and we hope you enjoy this trip!

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