SOIL & “PIMP” SESSIONS’ perfect storm

By Shay • May 2nd, 2008 • Category: Check it Out, Top Story

The Japanese jazz band SOIL & “PIMP” SESSIONS’ new single, “STORM” is an explosion of sweetness.

The maxi single’s cover art portrays the sugary blast that is “STORM” perfectly — with ‘pineapple grenades’.

The six-piece SOIL & “PIMP” SESSIONS is an interesting group of guys. Shacho (agitator, spirit), Tabu zombie (trumpet), Motoharu (sax), Josei (piano), Akita Goldman (bass) and Midorin (drums) perform their own intense brand of alternative jazz that they call “Death Jazz” . The band’s official English site explains what SOIL & “PIMP” SESSIONS are all about:

At its core, the group is about giving pulsating live performances. SOIL & “PIMP” SESSIONS combine the highest musicianship with the coolest of cool sounds and atmosphere. Their brand of jazz is rough around the edges, unadulterated entertainment and constantly kept at boiling point.

“STORM” is wonderfully quick and chaotic track that is barely contained. The song is an exhibit of when balanced instrumentation meets a cool, raw jam session. With a track time just over 3:30, “STORM” is fleeting. I could go for another 10 minutes.

The musicianship of the members of SOIL & “PIMP” SESSIONS makes itself known in every track. The next three on STORM continue with the same jamming ferocity as the title track.

“COME ON BABY” is from the animated movie Sugaikun to Kazokishi (菅井君と家族石, Sguy & The Family Stone) and “pro-seed” was featured on the NHK talkshow TOP RUNNER. The last track, “道” (Machi, street) is an 8:30-minute live track complete with all sorts of soloing.

Watch the PV for “STORM”