Artist description Choose a funky beat, choose a fat bass line, choose itchy scratches, choose sexy keys, choose jazzy horns, choose smooth vocals, choose a new sound...CHOOSE KOBAYASHI. Fusing hip-hop beats with jazz thus producing a sound engineered to chill out or jump on the dance floor.

Music Style Neo Acid Jazz

Musical Influences John Coltrane, Mikes Davis, Herbie Hancock, Gilles Peterson, Jazz Pharmacy, Kruder & Dorfmeister, Beastie Boys.

Similar Artists Herbaliser Band, Cinematic Orchestra, Bullfrog, Pocket Dwellers.

Artist History The thriving Montreal music scene has served as a breeding ground for the talents and imaginations of the members of Kobayashi. Incorporating various styles from its eight band members has allowed for an eclectic melting of sound. It is perhaps this representation of diverse sounds in a like-minded city that has bestowed upon Kobayashi a loyal and growing fan base. After being on the scene for a little over one year Kobayashi have had the chance to work with members of Montreal's Jazz Pharmacy and more recently, opening for Canada’s Juno Award winning Acid Jazz artists Metalwood(Verve Records). Past shows also include, opening for Blue Note recording artist Karl Denson and two nights with Ubiquity's own DJ Greyboy. Armed with their new EP entitled Movements, tour plans are in the works and numerous shows booked for the upcoming season. Kobayashi hopes to strengthen its presence in the rapidly expanding Acid Jazz scene.

Group Members Chris Tauchner - Keyboards; Evan Melnyk - Turntables; Billy Cicalo - Drums; Radu Falcon - Bass; Franco Proietti - Alto Sax; Josh Gearey - Tenor Sax; Hadiya Roderique - Vocals; Omari Newton - Vocals

Instruments Drums, Bass, Keyboards, Turntables, Alto and Tenor Saxophone, Vocals

Albums Movements EP

Press Reviews "I liked their concept and they took alot of chances musically. The element of combining rock, funk, jazz and hip-hop was really great. Thigs just seemed to happen as they happened. You don't see that very often in music today." (The Chronicle) Kobayashi Movements EP (independent) This local jazz-hop nonet deliver the fiver they’ve been promising—recorded almost a year ago, here it is at last, including their signature tracks “Eastside” and “Huxtables.” Bypassing the twists and tangents that bog down all but the best jam bands, Kobayashi keep their natty, nocturnal flow nice and focused. Chris Tauchner’s rich, tasteful keys lay a bed down for the simple, effective horn lines and for Omari Newton’s unhurried, soft-touch raps. There’s a comfortable warmth to all this, bristling a bit around the edges and solid at the core. 8/10 (Rupert Bottenberg)

Location Montreal, Quebec - Canada

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