KHAMSIN @ The Jazz Loft

KHAMSIN, a contemporary jazz group consisting of four composers, is a one-of-a-kind presence in the Osaka music scene. Known for their high-energy performances and captivating stage presence, they received an encore—an unprecedented event for the venue—at the Detroit Jazz Festival in 2023.

Members:
Takumi Seino : Guitar
Yuka Yanagihara : Piano
Nobu Shiraishi : Bass
Hiroshi “GORI” Matsuda : Drums

Doors open at 7pm.

2 Sets at 7.45pm & 9.15pm.

Cover charge $30 for both sets.

KHAMSIN
KHAMSIN, a contemporary jazz band based in Osaka, was founded in 1996 by Mitsuhiro Furuya. The name "KHAMSIN" refers to a hot, dust-laden wind that blows through North Africa in early spring, as well as the name of the "invisible" god. KHAMSIN is unique in that all of its members are not just performers, but also composers, playing their original compositions.
In 2023, the band performed at the Detroit Jazz Festival, representing Takatsuki Jazz Street, Japan. Their emotionally charged performance moved the audience to such an extent that they were given an encore—an unprecedented event in the history of the venue.
Tragically, KHAMSIN faced a significant loss with the sudden death of Mitsuhiro Furuya in 2024. Despite this, the remaining members decided to continue their musical journey, honoring the memories and moments shared with him. KHAMSIN has released three albums: KHAMSIN (1998), Blue Hour (2018), and Asuka (2024).

Takumi Seino : Guitar
Guitarist and composer, has performed and recorded with diverse acts beyond any genre. As an improvised musician he has been working with many talented artists all over the world besides solo performances. Including his own works on VOS Records, he has appeared on over 80 CD releases on the labels in Japan, Europe and U.S.A. His unique expression is so colorful that people often say “pictorial”.
Takumi graduated from the Berklee College of Music with the highest honors (Summa Cum Laude) in 1996. He was selected as a guitarist for the Berklee College of Music All Star Band and performed at the 23rd Annual IAJE International Conference in January 1996 in Atlanta, Georgia. At that time, he was awarded by IAJE a Special Citation for Outstanding Musicianship. He was named best guitarist at the YAMAHA competition in Osaka, Japan 1985. He received an award from Suita City as a person of cultural merit in 2020.

Yuka Yanagihara : Piano
Born in Osaka. She started playing the electronic organ at the age of 4, and classical piano and drums at the age of 8. She became interested in Jazz when she was in high school, and after graduating from high school, she entered Koyo Music Academy in Hyogo Prefecture. Studied under Masako Hamamura and Kiyoshi Takeshita. Passed the Berklee College of Music Scholarship Examination in 2004. In 2006, he entered Berklee College of Music and studied under Hal Crook, Greg Hopkins, Scott Free, Joanne Brackeen, and others. Graduated from the Jazz Composition Department in 2008. After returning to Japan, she formed the unit “Futatsuyu” and the album was released by Columbia Records and T&K Entertainment. They also perform live activities not only in Kansai but also in Tokyo. Since October 2010, he has been an arranger for KJO (Kobe Jazz Orchestra).

Nobu Shiraishi : Bass
Born in Japan, he began playing the piano at the age of three, delved into composition at 16, and took up the double bass at 20 while performing in a jazz club. Not limited to being a double bassist, he also excels as a pianist and composer, drawing inspiration from jazz, improvisation, pop, folk songs, rock, and his three years of life in Belgium.
His music, characterized by a unique blend of global influences, has been described as "avant-garde, yet seamlessly blending with culture and nature." In 2024, he relocated to Singapore. He has performed at notable international jazz festivals, including the Detroit Jazz Festival and the Thailand International Jazz Conference.
@wstonemusic
@arcphonic

Hiroshi “GORI” Matsuda : Drums
He started playing in a band at the age of 16, influenced by British metal and hard rock. After that, he became interested in jazz improvisation and moved to the United States in 2000. He released albums worldwide including the progressive jazz rock group “Six North”, the improvisational jazz rock group “Next Order” by LOLO Records in the United States as the first Japanese artist and released 6 albums. In 2006, he started his own band “GORIOLOGY”, and in December performed at Kobe Big Apple. He performed 7 days at the event, and also attempted a solo live performance by one drummer, receiving applause. Take a bath. At Vermilion Field, a saudade-style Latin contemporary jazz band, 2015 Major release of “Feira” from Victor Entertainment, received praise from various newspapers. In the contemporary jazz scene, LINX, Sound, People, Travel [oto na tabi], KHAMSIN, Takumi Seino drops, Yosuke Kurita Group, Hiroyuki Miyashita☆trio#3”, Masato Hirai, etc. He is actively engaged in activities including participating in albums.