Kyoto Jazz Massive

Kyoto Jazz Massive

KYOTO JAZZ MASSIVE is an innovative project led by two hugely influential DJs and artists among the Japanese music scene in 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.

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.

2024 will be Kyoto Jazz Massive 30th anniversary, promising and announcing several live celebrations across Europe, along with brand new material and recordings such as a collaboration LP with The Echoes Of A New Dawn Orchestra, including their amazing rendition of KJM classic broken house anthem, Substream.

Shuya OKINO (musical director, vocal, percussions)

Vanessa FREEMAN (lead vocal)

Indy EKA (lvocal)

Agyei OSEI (vocal)

Jean-Baptiste PALIES (drums)

Carel CLERIL (bass)

Eli FROT (keyboards)

Kevin LEBELLEC (guitar)

Olivier MICONI (trumpet, keys)

James MÜLLER (percussions)