Maya Hatch

The sounds of Jazz are an integral part of Japan’s musical tapestry.  Even beneath the wide umbrella of Jazz there are many sounds.  Maya Hatch is a singer who croons in the tradition of singers like Cassandra Wilson and Esperanza Spaulding.  Her music is earthy, uncluttered and magical.  Her voice is too. Every she note … Continue reading »Maya Hatch

Kyoto Jazz Massive

Kyoto Jazz Massive is a duo made up of brothers Shuya and Yoshihiro Okino.  No study of the Japanese underground would be complete without an entry on Kyoto Jazz Massive. They helped to shape the Japanese underground sound in the 90s and 2000s. Theirs is a hip and cool kind of jazz that lives in … Continue reading »Kyoto Jazz Massive

Nao Yoshioka

This formidable vocalist is signed to Tokyo based label, Sweet Soul Records.  Without exaggeration I can say that she is one of the greatest singers in Japan today.  Just like the record label says the music that she creates is beautiful sweet soul.  As with any other scene in the world, the Japanese underground music … Continue reading »Nao Yoshioka

Soil & Pimp Sessions

Soil & Pimp Sessions represents one of the signature sounds of Tokyo, which is cool, jazzy, funky, and wild.  These dudes created a genre called death jazz.  Their live performances will make your body wiggle and your mind explode. This is the first band to be featured on UFUx.  The reason is because they represent … Continue reading »Soil & Pimp Sessions