Video: “Lively & Happily” by JINTA-LA-MVTA
Jinta-la-Mvta is a musical group founded in 2004 by Ohkuma Wataru, clarinetist and bandleader of the groundbreaking Japanese experimental folk band Cicala Mvta, and his partner and drummer Kogure Miwazo.
Members of the group are:
Wataru Okuma (clarinet)
Miwazo Kogure (chindon, percussion)
Naoki Hishinuma (tuba)
Marie Abe (accordion)
Ohkuma’s interest in Klezmer music began in the late 80s. He was one of the first Japanese artists who listened to and played the genre. He has a repertoire of dozens of Klezmer tunes through his distinct perspective, setting him apart among non-Jewish klezmer musicians.
Considered as one of the few Klezmer experts in Japan, he has also penned various pieces on Klezmer and Japanese liner notes of Klezmatics and Frank London.
Since the Great Northeast Japan Earthquake and the subsequent nuclear crises in 2011, the band started to perform not only on club stages and festivals but also at anti-nuclear protests and demonstrations on the streets of Tokyo, attracting a new and wide range of audiences and fans.
Accordionist James Gerke from Massachusetts attended the concert on August 30, 2016 at The Burren in Somerville, MA and shares his thoughts: “This was a stripped-down version of the band and they were joined by local Boston accordionist Marië Abe, who also served as translator for band leader and clarinet player Wataru Okuma during the performance.
The band is awesome. Klezmer, or klezmer-influenced music, is only a portion of their normal repertoire, which includes progressive rock and other styles. But since they were invited by the Jewish Collaborative and knew the audience was mostly interested in that, they played mostly klezmer-related tunes (with a Frank Zappa tune and several originals thrown in), including a few with Yiddish lyrics sung by the percussionist Kogure Miwazow (!!!). “Bei Mir Bist Du Schön” was a big crowd pleaser.
The band is thrilling to watch and hear! Wataru Okuma has delved into deeper study of the klezmer tradition more recently, and he really captures the essence of the style.
Kogure Miwazow is a dynamic and entertaining performer. Her elaborate costume complete with red hat and a bird perched in her hair, her energetic playing of the chindon drum kit and cymbals, and her dramatic and joyful facial expressions, she is a delight to watch. Her singing voice is lush and powerful at once.
While Waturu Okuma and Kogure Miwazow are the stars of the show, the tuba player Naoki Hishinuma and accordionist Marië Abe, both excellent musicians, provided the perfect complement.
The comical aspect of this performance was that it featured a Japanese street band, performing klezmer music for a mostly Jewish audience, in an Irish pub. (The Burren in Somerville, MA)” Photo left of Marië Abe, by James Gerke.
Their future performances include:
Ashkenaz Festival
Toronto, ON
Saturday, September 3, 8p:PM
Harbourfront Centre, Concert Stage, 235 Queens Quay West
Free Admission
