Masaki Ueda

Caught live at JZ Brat
December 29, 2001

Masaki Ueda needs his own musical category, not exactly rhythm and blues but not exactly jazz either, more rhythm and jazz, or jazz and blues, or, well, forget about categories. Ueda sings with an  improvisatory sense that transforms itself right into high-energy music. Backed by a quartet of guitar, bass, keyboards and drums, Ueda turned out two sets of rhythm-based vocals that had the pre-New Year’s crowd at JZBrat clamoring for three encores. Ueda has the blessing and curse of several popular hits in his career. Clearly, though, he has moved beyond the confines of pop and into an personal blend of singing that draws from rhythm and blues, jazz, and popular music. Unlike many Japanese singers, even those proclaiming themselves “jazz singers,” Ueda has the confidence to sing across the beat, to interpret the melody, and to fill his phrases with honest emotion. This last point is especially important. His singing comes from deep within, rather than being a clever re-arrangement of notes, or an acquired cloak to wrap himself in. To listen to Ueda is to listen to a direct and uncut expression of his self, not some contrived musical persona. Essential to Ueda’s delivery is his band. The core members are Tod Carver on guitar, Scott Latham on drums and Tomoharu Hani on keyboards. These three regulars, plus bass, pack together a vibrant sound that bubbles and boils beneath Ueda’s vocals. Their solos are clever constructions of funky, rhythms and far-reaching energy. Ueda gives all the members ample time to contribute themselves to the mix, creating a true band feeling rather than a slick collection of studio specialists. Even considering the “bonnenkai” feel of any club in late December, Ueda connected with the crowd with immediacy and charisma. Ueda runs his own record company as well, having recorded not only his own work, but a collection of music from like-minded singers throughout Southeast Asia.