Octo Bass

[Machine Translation] Super multi-string bassist Kenjiro Nagai took on the challenge of recording a full-fledged album using only an 8-string bass. This album features the 8-string bass in a trio formation with Naoki Kato, a super-fast guitarist from his band TRAFFIC INFORMATION, and Taro Yoshida, a drummer who has been very successful at countless venues such as The Alfee, and he plays the 8-string bass in all its glory. Let's Walkin'" featured slaps while playing chords that are possible only with the super multi-string bass, "Morseman" used a guitar amp and played the tune as if it were a guitar itself, "December" sang melodies with the 8-string fretless bass, and "Fretless" played a tricky tune that changed beats all the time. On the album's title track, OctoBass, the band does whatever they want, including high-speed slapping, chord cutting, melodies, and solos using only the 8-string bass. The songs are also very diverse, as if the band is a progressive fusion band. The band's ensemble is also excellent. The three members have been playing together for many years, and when one of them makes a move, someone else immediately responds. Guitarist Naoki Kato is not only proud of his fast playing, but also contributed three songs. He also shows his talent for songwriting. Another attraction of this album is Taro Yoshida's drum solo. This album is a must-listen for drummer fans.

超多弦ベーシスト永井健二郎が本格的に8弦ベースだけでレコーディングに挑んだ意欲作。本作は自己のバンドTRAFFIC INFORMATIONより超速弾きギタリスト加藤直紀、The Alfeeなど数知れない現場で超売れっ子のドラマー吉田太郎の2人を引き連れてのトリオ編成で8弦ベースを余すことなくフューチャー。超多弦ベースだからこそ可能なコードを弾きつつスラップを入れたLet's Walkin'、ギターアンプを使用しまるでギターそのもののような音色で弾きまくったMorseman、かと思いきや8弦フレットレスベースを使ってメロディを歌い上げるDecember、拍子がころころ変わるトリッキーな楽曲First Impression、アルバムタイトル曲OctoBassでは高速スラップ、コードカッティング、メロディ、ソロを8弦ベースのみでプレイなどなどやりたい放題。楽曲もプログレッシブフュージョンバンドの面目躍如か、非常に多彩な楽曲が並ぶ。バンドのアンサンブルもとても秀逸。長年共に演奏をしているメンバーたちだけあり、誰かが仕掛ければすぐに誰かが反応と3人の呼吸もピッタリ! ギターの加藤直紀は自慢の速弾きだけでなく、楽曲も3曲提供。ソングライティングの才能も存分に見せる。そして、本作のもう一つの魅力は吉田太郎のドラムソロが炸裂している所。ドラマーファンも必聴のアルバム。