Spotlight on Les Cappuccino

The sun rises in the east! Richard Karström recommends a mod jazz instrumental combo from Japan.

Being part of a world wide organisation like Uppers has its advantages. A while ago, when looking for new and interesting stuff on the internet - as you do - I came across the Japanese band Les Cappuccino. I contacted our man in Japan, Daisuke Usui, and within days I became the owner of a copy of the 'French Madison' album by Les Cappuccino.

Les Cappuccino was founded late 1995 by Tommy (guitar) and Marie (organ) in Kobe, inspired by Jimmy Smith, Booker T, Manfred Mann and J.T.Q. A year later they got a permanent bass player when Chiggy joined. In November 2000 Swin-go took the official position as a drummer, until then various drummers had been used.

The band have played at loads of Japanese mod/sixties events, Mods Mayday in Osaka and Kyoto, Shindig in Nagoya and March of The Mods in Tokyo as well as Groovin' in Fukuoka.

'French Madison', released by the Japanese record label Mad French in 2001 is now sold out. But fear not, lovers of the good groove, a full edition of this album will be released sometime mid October, on the European New Mantra label, a division of FGL Procuctions.

Let's start with the two things I don't really understand or like, just to get them out of the way. What's up with the French thing here? Ok, I admit, I don't know anything about Ye Ye, but a Japanese band that open their album with a tune that has lyrics in French seems a bit, well, odd to me. If you are aiming for an international career, wouldn't English be a better choice? No offense to our French readers or Ye Ye cats. Number two is the short playing time, just 31 minutes and some seconds. Some more would have been nice.

At first I felt that some of the tracks sounded like versions of 'Green Onions', only played in different tempos. Which isn't necessarily a bad thing! Joking aside, I must say that the bands own tunes are better than the covers choosen. Granted, they do a mean version of 'Green Onions' (there's that tune again…) but 'Madison Flirt' (Billy Bridge) is a bit light-weight for this writer, and 'Madison Horse' (Alex Scorier) is more in my mother's taste I think.

The cover of Michel Legrand's 'Bande a part' is a total groover though, and it feels very good to hear some dialogue snippets thrown in for good measure. Gives you the feeling that it is the 21st century after all. Nice horns by Tama-chang!

All in all, the good tunes on the 'French Madison' album completely erase any question marks, and I would recommed that you check out Les Cappuccino. One of the most interesting bands in years on the mod scene - at least to me - and they really have a potential to reach out further.

About the author

Richard lives in Stockholm, Sweden. He likes books, bowling, Hammond organs, pinball and Portello. You can catch him dj'ing at events and clubs every now and then.

Someday he will quit his job down at the carwash and leave his mama a goodbye note.

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Comments:

Christine Darling	jun 10 2004 1:53PM

I hope I do get to meet you when I'm in Japan this summer! I have heard so much about you..... Cheers! -christine

Richard Karström	dec 11 2002 8:09AM

Latest news from their European record company is that the Les Cappuccino's album will be released in mid-March 2003. There are also plans for a tour of France around that time.

staffan	dec 9 2002 3:46PM
http://www.movingsounds.nu

saw les cappuccinos at purple weekend. was amazed.

Richard Karström	aug 7 2002 8:50AM
http://www.madfrench.com/bande.ram

Niamh> Not really like the GDU. Slightly more of a "pop" approach I'd say. Click on the link above for a sample. Also, try http://www.madfrench.com/agent.ram

Niamh	aug 7 2002 5:11AM

Just to prove that I DO read the articles.. I'd be interested in hearing this band. Are they in the same vein as the Gene Drayton Unit? They certainly look stylish!

doñatella	jul 30 2002 8:03AM

Sounds and looks great. Play us some next time, will you?

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The sun rises in the east! Richard Karström recommends a mod jazz instrumental combo from Japan.

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