A Japanese blues band. The roots music of contemporary pop.
One of the roots musics, the blues, was born among African peoples who immigrated to America and was brought to Japan via the UK.
The prototype of the blues evolved into jazz and rock, and it has had a major impact on popular music as well.
Its emotionally charged singing is captivating, and in a band setting it comes across even more passionately—especially with the guitar’s wailing, crying phrases!
Given the cultural background, many of Japan’s leading blues bands include members from the Kansai region.
Please enjoy this wellspring of soulful sound—the source that also gave rise to the familiar music we listen to every day.
Japanese blues band. Roots music of contemporary pop (1–10)
Cleaning ladyYūkadan
The U-Kadan (Yūkadān) was formed in Osaka in 1970 by members who were then high school students.
They made their record debut in 1975 with the release of “Osoji Obachan,” but the song was banned from broadcast.
After going on hiatus in 1998, they reunited in 2013 and are still active today.
Farewell, youthDrop’s
Drop’s is a blues rock ’n’ roll band formed in 2009 by five women based in Sapporo.
After forming, they were active mainly in the Sapporo music scene.
Their band sound and the powerful singing voice of vocalist Miho Nakano are particularly appealing.
In 2017, they moved their base of activities to Tokyo.
I KNOWThe Birthday
The Birthday is a band formed shortly after ROSSO went on hiatus, with both Yusuke Chiba and Akinobu Imai as members.
Their musical style is rooted in blues rock and garage rock, and it’s incredibly cool.
They celebrated their 10th anniversary in 2015 and continue to be very active today.
Crush them!!murahachibu
Murahachibu is a five-piece band formed in Kyoto in 1969.
They possessed a highly distinctive musical style, including aggressive songs exemplified by provocative lyrics that today could even be considered discriminatory, and they were highly active until their breakup in 1973.
Their only official album, Live, has been reissued periodically.
TrampWest Road Blues Band
The West Road Blues Band was formed in Kyoto in 1972 by a group of clubmates.
With their overwhelming power, they became a central presence in the blues scene and influenced many others, performing intermittently until the sudden passing of original member Shinji Shiotsugu in 2008.
“Tramp,” which leads off their debut album, remains a timeless masterpiece even today.
Walk on the wild sideGLIM SPANKY
GLIM SPANKY is a band formed in Nagano in 2007.
While their music is rooted in 1960s and 1970s rock and blues, they’re not turning their backs on today’s music scene.
Since making their major debut in 2014, they have been active in many areas, including securing numerous tie-ins.
New Tribea flood of circle
a flood of circle is a band formed in Tokyo in 2006 that plays blues and garage rock.
In 2009, they made their major-label debut with the album “BUFFALO SOUL.” Celebrating their 10th anniversary in 2016, they continue to be actively engaged in their music today.