The amazing Kazutoki Umezu is one of Japan's, make that the world's, best saxophone players. A stellar player of jazz, and a truly fantastic improviser and collaborator. From his own klezmer and progressive jazz groups to playing with Ian Dury's Blockheads to collaborations with John Zorn, Lester Bowie, Marc Ribot, Fanfare Ciocarlia, Okinawan musician Tetsuhiro Daiku and Japanese shamisen player Michihiro Sato. Kiki Band is Umezu's project since 1999, based on jazz and rock, with hints of the Middle East. Powerful and dynamic a kind of scaled down version of Shibasashirazu with four members. These are Takeharu Hayakawa on bass, (Shibusashirazu, Coil) Natsuki Kido on guitar and drummer Kozo Niida (Komatcha Klezmer and many more). Recorded live at the Moers Festival in 2003. 6 tracks, 67 minutes.
