PE'Z live in Japan

As the reflection of the setting sun shone off the roof of the shopping mall, I could feel a warm wind blowing up from the Kuzuryu River. Even though we have passed the peak of Summer here in Japan, the air was still quite hot, it made me miss Summer.

The concert itself was rather small for PE’Z, the event itself was sponsored by FM Fukui radio. Artists including Angela Aki, COOL JOKE and Skoop On Somebody also performed. In front of the open-air stage, there were people of various ages from children to adults, wearing everyday clothes, waving fans made for the special live event. Some were standing, some were sitting, and others were talking and doing their own thing. Background music, mostly pop, made the atmosphere warm and gentle which seemed fitting for this open-air event.

Suddenly a radio DJ announced loudly that the live event had just begun. People who had been sitting lazily stood up all at once, and rushed to the front of the stage. When the members of PE’Z appeared wearing white costumes with black logos of PE’Z printed on the back and the audience cheered loudly. Low and heavy drums reminiscent of the Wadaiko(=Japanese drum) beat out, and a wooden upright bass played rhythmically on top. Other instruments (trumpet, saxophone and keyboard) were played almost as though they were aggressively trying to grab the audience’s attention, pulling us into the grand grave world of the Japanese movie Youjinbou.

Then suddenly the bright songs of Yume no Enare and HARU HA YA TE followed, and everyone moved their bodies with the music and waved their fans. It was an eclectic choice of music. PE'Z's playing and passionate performance captured the audience right away which gave the whole place a happy festival mood.

Ohyama, the leader of PE’Z talked with his usual humor during the MC “This is an open-air live on the roof, so let’s make sure downstairs hears!”. Two melancholic slow ballads followed. During the song Suzukake no Michi Ohyama’s trumpet sounded strong and sorrowfully while Kadota’s saxophone sang a passionate melody. I could almost feel the performer's breath through their wind instruments.

Hariyo no Natsu began with drums and keyboard, Hiizumi’s aggressive keyboard solo clashed with the Japanese melody. He bended his body so much so that his face almost touched the keyboard. He played the whole song in this very unique style. His keyboard playing was changing freely and fickley in the familiar sing-a-long melodies while other members played more steadily.

Ohyama then announced that after the album Nippon no Jazz -SAMURAI SPIRIT which was released on July 19th, a new album LIVE FOR THE GROOVE E.P which is a collaboration piece with a British vocalist; NATE JAMES would be released on September 20th. The announcement was followed by a round of applause from the audience.

From Akatsuki, speedy up-beat songs with showering piano solos started once again. During I remember you the audience raised both hands, shaking their bodies with the main melody. Hiizumi moved comically with this song, while Ohyama’s trumpet sounded calm and free, and Kadota played his saxophone powerfully. In Hale no sola sita~LA YELLOW SAMBA~, the keyboard synchronized with Kou’s drums and Nirehara’s wood bass, and the audience jumped with the bright Samba rhythms. The live finally ended in a happy mood.

When removing the differences of age, genre, or any other kind of barriers, people who love jazz, pop or enka would love to listen to PE’Z's music. Everyone relaxed and enjoyed the live. What is more, the members keep challenging and trying something new which makes their performances always thrilling. This day I was able to see into the world of PE’Z, which is always changing freely, progressing without being involved in any existing music styles.


Set List
1. Youjinbou
2. Yume no Enare
3. HARU HA YA TE
MC
4. Suzukake no Michi
5. Hariyo no Natsu
MC
6. Akatsuki
7. I remember you
8. Hale no sola sita～LA YELLOW SAMBA～