PROFILE: Jun Fukamachi
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Composer, arranger, pianist, and one of Japan's pioneer synthesizer players.
Since his debut in 1971, his original and unique sense of music as well as his outstanding performance technique has supported him to play a major role in the Japanese music scene. In addition to producing his own albums, he has contributed to participating in music production for television programs, theatrical movies, TV commercials, etc. His recent works are supporting young and up-coming artists such as female vocalist Yuki Koyanagi and new bands such as Baby Boo.
While contributing to commercial music artists, he also focuses on his approach to his own music. He produces his original albums, and also performs with his own bands. In 1975 he formed "Jun Fukamachi & 21 Century Band" together with Kenji Ohmura (g), Shuichi "Ponta" Murakami (ds), and Rei Ohara (b). In addition, he has played countless sessions with many musicians. In 1980, he formed his band "KEEP" with Akira Wada (g), Hideo Yamaki (ds), and Yasuo Tomikura (b). His performance was absolutely shocking and innovative in the Japanese fusion music scene. In the Late '70s, he played together with New York based studio musicians such as Steve Gadd (ds), the Brecker Brothers, and Mike Mainieri (vibe). After producing a number of original albums, he released the well known album "On The Move." Around this time, he invited these musicians to Japan and participated in various live performances. His album "Jun Fukamachi & the New York All Stars/Live" was re-released in 2002, and is still recognized as contemporary creative music.
In 1989, he became a professor at the Senzoku Gakuen College Department of Music and was in charge of establishing Japan's first course specializing in education of music synthesis. Due to this, he tentatively posed his career as a musician. In '96, he left the academic profession to resume his career as a musician again.
His recent live performances are mainly based on piano improvisation. Exploring the possibility of creating music of true Japanese origin for the world's audience, he dedicates himself to his musical performance. Having flexible ideas and a delicate sense of expression, his music is original and unique. In his regular live performances, he continues to gain a new audience, and further continues his career. He also participates in various bands such as "mind" led by Tsuyoshi Watanabe (vln) as well as "neo.jp" led by Hideki Ishima (sitara; a unique instrument combining a guitar and sitar) etc.
Recent works are the following albums: "Variation of 'Variation'" in '96, "Midnight Dive" in '98, "Civilization"in '99, the series "Spring", "Summer", "Autumn", and "Winter" in 2000, as well as "Calm" in '02 and "HEART OF THE COUNTRY released on January 30th '03.