Tomo Fujita
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Instrumental Blues, Funk & Jazz
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Skillfully blending genres such as blues, funk and jazz, the original instrumental compositions on Tomo Fujita's debut CD, Put On Your Funk Face are a mixture of the guitarist's many diverse influences: Earth, Wind and Fire, B.B. King, Jimi Hendrix, Joe Pass, Larry Carlton, Stevie Ray Vaughan and the Meters. "Just Funky" and "Meltdown" are impressive examples of fusion/funk magic, while "Orange Juice & Water" and "Don't Wake Me" advance Fujita's blues agenda, as he bends and slides his way through warm, resonant solos and ultra-clean, soulful melodies. Fujita demonstrates a great touch and sense of dynamics throughout Put On Your Funk Face, which makes this release essential listening for fans of his brand of sonic stylings.
Tomo, born in Kyoto, Japan, began playing guitar at age 13. Originally inspired by various rock artists, Tomo heard Larry Carlton and began digging into his influences. His dream of coming to the United States was realized when he received the John Abercrombie Jazz Masters Award and a scholarship to the Berklee College of Music. While attending Berklee, Tomo won several Battle of the Bands competitions, Boston's Best Guitarist competition and the demo of the month pick in Guitar Player magazine. Tomo is now an Assistant Professor at Berklee, and does clinics at the major music schools in Japan every summer.
Fujita has also recently released an instructional video through Rittor Music in Japan, which has sold over 5000 copies. Fujita's goal is to tour the world with his band and share not only his knowledge, but his experience, and to show that anything is possible.
Contact Information
Tomo Fujita
P.O. Box 468
Dedham, MA 02027
United States
Web site:
www.tomofujita.com
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Travis Larson Band
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Planning To Saturate The Instrumental Rock Scene
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The Travis Larson Band comes flying out of San Luis Obispo, California with an impressive, self-titled debut recording containing fourteen tracks of rock-based instrumental fusion. The trio of Travis Larson (guitar), Jennifer Young (bass) and Dale Moon (drums) provide the precise maneuverability through sometimes intricate arrangements, while intelligent orchestration allows for an unlikely depth of sonic texture. This richness of sound is the result of a stubborn refusal to accept the limitations of the trio format. What it adds up to on the Travis Larson Band is some exciting music, as evidenced on tracks such as "Nut Boy", "Nameless" and "Morse Code". Larson is a high caliber soloist and his work on the Travis Larson Band CD should be carefully studied by fans of excellent guitar music. Kudos also to Young for her flowing bass work and production and to Moon for his tight drum performances.
In 1995 the Travis Larson Band released an EP entitled "Know Strings Attached", which led to opening slots for major label artists such as the Rugburns, the Beggars and Dick Dale. The group also performed live on several California radio stations such as KOTR 94.9 and WWBR 95. Jennifer also landed a feature article in Bass Player magazine as well as having several of her own articles published in Bass Frontiers magazine. When it came time to record their first full-length CD, Travis and Jennifer labored in the physical construction of Avalon Digital Recordings studio, trading three hours of their time for one hour of future studio time. This enabled the band to spend several months in the studio and produce their powerful debut album.
With the new album out, the band has set its sights on saturating the instrumental rock scene. As Larson puts it, "As long as I play music that I enjoy, I believe there will always be an audience for my style."
Contact Information
Precision Records
P.O. Box 14803
San Luis Obispo, CA 93406-4803
United States
Web site:
www.travislarsonband.com
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