Zazen Boys

HIDDEN ERROR: Usage of "Former Members" is not recognized

Zazen Boys is a Japanese band formed by former Number Girl guitarist and vocalist Shutoku Mukai. Stylistically, their music consists mostly of complex rhythmic songs reminiscent of math rock, as well as extended improvisational songs during live performances.

History

After the breakup of Number Girl, Shutoku Mukai began touring solo under the moniker Mukai Shutoku Acoustic and Electric. Although initially performing new versions of Number Girl songs, he quickly developed many that would appear on Zazen Boys' first album. After touring through June 2003, Shutoku commissioned friend and former Number Girl drummer Ahito Inazawa, and after former Art-School bassist Hidekazu Hinata and guitarist Sō Yoshikane (formerly of Kicking the Lion) joined, the first incarnation of Zazen Boys was formed.

Using Shutoku's experimental mindset, influenced by Buddhist chants, hip-hop, funk, punk, and improvisational jazz, Zazen Boys achieved unexpected success. They released Zazen Boys and went on successful tour. During this time, the band released the single "Hantōmei Shōjo Kankei" (半透明少女関係), as well as the acclaimed live album Matsuri Session 2.26.2004 Tokyo. Five months after their debut, Zazen Boys II was released to even more critical acclaim. In early 2005, Inazawa left to form his own band, Vola and the Oriental Machine. Whether or not the split occurred due to personal or creative differences remains unclear. Undaunted, Shutoku quickly recruited session drummer Atsushi Matsushita to replace Inazawa. Zazen Boys recorded a maxi single "Himitsu Girl's Top Secret", in July 2005. They continued to release live recordings, the online-only album Live at Osaka, Matsuri Session Live at Yaon, and Matsuri Session 12.27.2005 Tokyo, as well as Live at Shibuya, an iTunes-exclusive performance from the opening of the Shibuya Apple Store.

Cake Shop NYC

Cake Shop is a New York City bar, music venue, and restaurant in the Lower East Side of Manhattan. It is located at 152 Ludlow Street between Stanton Street and Rivington Street. Cake Shop offers a full bar, various small plates, baked goods, coffee, and tea, and hosts live music events in their basement venue situated below the upstairs bar and restaurant.

References

External links

Coordinates: 40°43′15″N 73°59′17″W / 40.72083°N 73.98806°W / 40.72083; -73.98806