Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra

Well, hello there folks. Today I decided to make an entry about one of my favorite ska bands - Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra or simply TSPO. I have to admit that when it comes to music I'm fond of all things asian and especially japanese. And TSPO is band I can listen to over and over again. Awesome japanese ska band. What I like the most about them is this special blend of ska and jazz that can be heard in their music. No matter what album you're listening to you'll always feel that mixture of eastern ska and western jazz that characterizes TSPO's music. And I don't care if people think of japanese ska as of something mediocre. For me TSPO is one of the few bands that can make me wanna skank all night long. If I have to describe their music in just one word nothing else pops in mind but one particular word - uplifting. I think that the fact that they doesn't sound like most western ska bands is a clear advantage as it helps them develop and further explore their own sound. Although mixing ska and jazz is nothing new, TSPO make that combination sound vibrant, exciting. It is clear that they borrowed from many sources when it comes to inspiration but they made in a way that's not only acceptable but original as well. Fans of original jamaican ska or 2tone might not necessary like this particular brand of japanese ska but if you consider yourself a real ska fan you might want to take a listen. It's different from most ska music, and original and above all it may be appealing to people who search for something new and unpopular. Nevertheless is a bloody good ska music performed by some really talented musicians. I recommend it. You won't regret listening to TSPO.

Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra, or "Suka Para" (Skapara) as they are usually referred to, were formed as party band in the late 80's, by a group of young musicians. After over one thousand live shows, and numerous ups and downs, the band continues strong, and today enjoys a substantial international following. The band's first record was an indie 12 inch single released in 1989, followed in 1990 by their debut album on Sony Sukapara Tojo. The album included a number of covers, both Japanese and foreign, including the evergreen "Hit the Road Jack". Over the history of the band, their ska-d up covers have been amongst their most popular numbers, including "Sesame Street", "The Look of Love", "Summertime" and Duke Ellington's "Caravan" transformed into "Skaravan" This line-up of the band had twelve members, and was fronted by the flamboyant, bald and BoA-ed, "Cleanhead" Gimura. The other members wear matching suits, and mischievous grins. Their shows feature plenty of running around and gags, as well as bits of choreography and inspired musical madness. Their reputation as an entertaining and energetic live band spread, to the degree that by 1991 they were able to play the prestigious Budokan theatre. However things were not always completely cheery. While they remained a popular live act, their record company was not able to sell as many records as their popularity suggested they should. As time went on, the band suffered a number of internal hardships, including the death of two members, one of them vocalist "Cleanhead Gimura". Also in 1993, Asa-Chang, who was considered the bandmaster, left the band. However the band managed to endure and with various member changes carried on, still maintaining a substantial fan base. In 1998 they moved to the Avex label, who seem to be a bit more successful turning their legions of fans into CD buyers. In 2000 they licensed their Full-Tension Beaters to Europe and undertook and extensive tour of European countries. Subsequently they have also toured the US with the Skatalites, played SOB's in NYC, and performed at America's biggest music festival, Bonnaroo.

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