Vagabond Synth Nerd’s Journal Vol. 58 - Electric Keyboards and Synth Albums that Adorn Music

A Special Feature on Legendary Hammond Organ Players and Their Iconic Albums, Part IV: Japanese Hammond Player Yuta Kaneko and His Iconic Albums and Performances!

In this edition of the Vagabond Synth Nerd's Journal, we will focus on Yuta Kaneko, the renowned Japanese Hammond organ player, and his band and related albums. Yuta Kaneko is one of the standout Hammond organ players in Japan. This time, we will delve into his remarkable performances as a Hammond organist and showcase some of his incredible works and albums.

■ Recommended Album: Yosuke Onuma nu jazz (2001)

A masterpiece debut album from jazz guitarist Yosuke Onuma. Onuma is one of Japan's leading jazz guitarists and a musician full of modern sensibilities. Onuma was a member of a band called Aquapet, which was a jazz jam band centered around Hammond organist Yuta Kaneko, with Onuma and drummer Karuta Otsuki as the core members.
This album features not only Karuta Otsuki and Yuta Kaneko, but also guest vocalist Keiko Lee. In addition to Onuma's original compositions, songs by Jamiroquai, Janet Jackson, and Elvis Costello are also included (Costello's "Alison" is amazing!).
The album is remarkable not only for its performance but also for its outstanding tracks, which are both technical with a pop flavor. At the time of its release, it felt like a fresh presentation of the "now" of jazz. Onuma's subsequent career has unfolded beyond the boundaries of jazz, and has expanded his own musical world.
While the members were part of Aquapet, the album is unmistakably from Onuma's perspective as a jazz guitarist, with Aquapet contributing to the color of Onuma's compositions. This album is a perfect example of how prominent Onuma's presence was. Yuta Kaneko plays the Hammond B-3, and his brilliant use of the Hammond's features brings Onuma's compositions to life in vibrant ways.

Recommended Track: "Coffee Please"

This track is Yosuke Onuma's response to jam band music, with its intricate phrases and catchy hooks. It’s a masterpiece of Onuma's musical style, blending technicality with pop sensibility in a way that is accessible and engaging to the listener. The simplicity that’s yet deep in this piece might be the essence of Onuma’s musical brilliance.
I once heard a live performance of this track at a jazz club in Shizuoka called "Lifetime," and the synergy between Onuma’s guitar, Kaneko’s Hammond, Otsuki’s drumming, and the overall groove of the band was simply outstanding. What stood out most was how much each member was enjoying their performance, which made the experience all the more memorable. Yuta Kaneko, playing on the classic Hammond B-3 with a Leslie speaker, displayed an impressive range of technical skill and captivated the audience with his performance.

Recommended Track: "Alison"

This is a cover of Elvis Costello’s iconic track, and it’s simply beautiful. The melody is heart-wrenching. Onuma seems to have a particular fondness for this song, as he still includes it in his live performances today. The emotional depth and connection he brings to this cover is really special.

■ Recommended Album: Toshiki Nunokawa Road to Jazz Jungle (2007)

I consider the guitarist Toshiki Nunokawa to be Japan's version of John Scofield. For those who are unfamiliar with him, John Scofield is a legendary guitarist known for his work with Billy Cobham, George Duke, and Miles Davis, as well as for his own career. His phrasing, sound, and overall playing are completely unique and his style has earned him two Grammy Awards.
Nunokawa’s sound and phrasing remind me of Scofield, and I believe he is a musician who is shaping the future of music. On this album, Nunokawa assembled an impressive lineup with Yuta Kaneko (organ) and KALTA (drums), both of whom have played with Yosuke Onuma’s Aqua Pit band. Replacing Onuma with Nunokawa, I found myself astounded, calling this the "Neo Aqua Pit"! It’s an album that beautifully blends jam and jazz, and I can’t recommend it enough for its fresh and captivating sound.

Recommended Track: "Fool's Wisdom"

The track begins mysteriously with Kaneko’s Hammond organ and KALTA's drums. The winding guitar of Toshiki Nunokawa and the saxophone of Osamu Koike take over the theme, creating a captivating dialogue between the instruments. It’s a track where you can clearly hear the shift in sound when the guitarist changes and the music evolves from jam-band to a more jazz-oriented vibe.
The interplay between Nunokawa and Koike’s solos is dynamic, followed by a Hammond organ solo that transitions into chord work before the drawbars gradually engage and the Leslie speaker spins at either slow or fast speed. Kaneko’s ability to create these shifts is impressive, and his sound design is truly inspired, making this a standout track.

■ Recommended Album: Akiko A WHITE ALBUM (2007)

Akiko made her debut as the first Japanese female singer under the prestigious jazz label Verve and has since released a number of very cool albums. In A WHITE ALBUM, she teams up with Yasuharu Konishi to bring her unique take on Christmas, offering jazz-infused arrangements of the holiday classics. Konishi's arrangements are exceptional because he breathes new life into the traditional Christmas songs without letting them feel outdated.
The album features a standout lineup, including jazz guitar maestro Kiyoshi Sugimoto and the brilliant Hammond organ work of Yuta Kaneko. The result is a sophisticated, fresh sound, while the album's art design also adds to the stylish overall presentation. This is a perfect blend of jazz and holiday cheer, making it a must-listen during the festive season.

Recommended Track: "Santa Claus Is Coming to Town"

The catchy brass ensemble leads into the familiar entry of Yuta Kaneko's Hammond. His solo work on the Hammond organ is a spectacular showcase of the instrument's many wonderful features, using a range of techniques and ideas that truly bring out the best of the Hammond. It's an incredible solo!

Musicians, Albums, Recommended Tracks, and Gear Featured:

• Artists: Yuta Kaneko, Yosuke Onuma, Toshiki Fukuoka
• Albums: nu jazz, Road To Jazz Jungle, A WHITE ALBUM
• Tracks: "Coffee Please", "Alison", "Fool's Wisdom", "Santa Claus Is Coming to Town"
• Gear Used: Hammond B-3 Organ

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