Kyoto Jazz Massive Feat. Vanessa Freeman & the Echoes Of a New Dawn Orchestra [jazz-funk/brokenbeat/soulfulhouse]

The genre-defying project, KYOTO JAZZ MASSIVE, founded by the OKINO brothers and revealed by Gilles Peterson, finally returns to the European stages after a 15 years hiatus, celebrating its 30th birthday with some new material and a brand new line up. Led by Shuya Okino and featuring Vanessa Freeman on lead vocals, KJM is now backed by the powerful Echoes Of A New Dawn Orchestra, spreading their unique cross-over vision from jazz-funk, broken beat to soulful house, cosmic grooves and everything in-between !
 

KYOTO JAZZ MASSIVEis an innovative project led by two hugely influential DJs and artists in the Japanese music scene, Shuya Okino (Kyoto Jazz Sextet & owner of The Room in Shibuya) and Yoshihiro Okino (owner of Especial Records).

Revealed and named KYOTO JAZZ MASSIVE by Gilles Peterson in the early 90’s, the DJ duo formed by OKINO brothers, pioneered Japanese club jazz and crossover music worldwide. In 1994, their first production came out, a compilation entitled “KYOTO JAZZ MASSIVE V.A.”. But their breakthrough came while signing their first single “ECLIPSE” on the German label Compost, followed in 2000 by their milestone album “SPIRIT OF THE SUN” ! KJM gained international recognition, as both critics and audience acclaimed their innovative crossover style, blending electro, jazz, house, funk and broken beats.

In 2004, they formed the Kyoto Jazz Massive Live Set featuring Vanessa Freeman and Tasita D’Mour on vocals, which they performed throughout Europe and Asia (from the Tokyo Crossover Jazz Festival to the North Sea Jazz Festival). Thereafter, numerous collaborations and remixes were released as well as several EP’s, earning them the reputation of outstanding producers.

In the meantime, Shuya Okino followed his own path, as a recognized DJ, traveling all through the globe and also producing a number of successful artists  such as Mondo Grosso, Sleep Walker, Cosmic Village, Hajime Yoshizawa, ROOT SOUL and DJ KAWASAKI. He even made a name for himself as a writer, with three successful books “What makes a good DJ”, “The first Jazz Club book” and the business book “Filter your thinking for success”. In 2006, Shuya released his first remarkable solo album “United Legends”, for which he invited ten vocalists and ten producers only communicating using Email. This unprecedented technique of making music has made it of special interest to the music scene.

It was not until 2022 that Kyoto Jazz Massive returned with their long-anticipated album. The wait has definitely been worth it as Kyoto Jazz Massive have once again delivered another incredible genre-defying recording that continues to be forward looking. With Message From A New Dawn, KJM offers an ultimate vision of a modern, deep and jazz dancefloor crossover, including elements of house, afrobeat, soul and funk. Not to mention the irresistible voice of Vanessa Freeman and the exceptional participation of legendary Roy Ayers!

After a 15 years hiatus away from the European stages, Shuya Okino decided to support KJM’s new release with a small tour in the UK and France, pulling up a brand new line up. Led by Shuya Okino and featuring Vanessa Freeman on lead vocals, this powerful backing band based in Paris and named Echoes Of A New Dawn Orchestra, has provided outstanding performances and sold out several shows in Paris New Morning and London Jazz Cafe, followed by acclaimed participation at Southport Weekender and We Out Here festivals in 2023.