WAPPA GAPPA
Jazz Rock/Fusion • Japan
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WAPPA GAPPA is a Japanese group. The line-up is: Keizo Endo (bass), Masahiro Lee (guitars), Hirishi Mineo (drums), Hideaki Nagaike (keyboards) and Tamami Yamamoto (vocals). Masahiro Lee is a new member that did not play in the first three albums. The group was founded based on the idea of bassist Keizo Endo in 1992. The music of this group is in symphonic vein and with a strong jazz tendency. Overall, the closest classification is probably fusion although there are sections in the music with no evidence of it. There are moments when the music is atmospheric and there are even some signs of popular music but the many influences work nicely together. The best way to describe the music is to imagine a mix of symphonic like PAGEANT and fusion like KENSO.
The first album "Yamatai", released in 1996, is hard to find. After this album the group signed to the French label Musea. The 2nd album "A Myth" came out in 1998. The music in this album is very good progressive with many influences. They are able to execute the different influences in a successful manner. The 3rd album "Gappa" was released in 2004 and it is similar to the predecessor. The voice of the female vocalist Tamami Yamamoto is wonderful.
WAPPA GAPPA is enjoyable Japanese progressive.
: : : Markus Mattsson, FINLAND : : :
WAPPA GAPPA forum topics / tours, shows & news
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Buy WAPPA GAPPA Music
![]() | Gappa by Wappa Gappa (2013-08-02) Musea/Poseidon | $11.69 |
![]() | A Myth by WAPPA GAPPA (2001-01-01) Musea | $36.69 |
![]() | Gappa Musea/Poseidon 2004 | $3.95 $1.39 (used) |
![]() | A Myth Musea 1998 | $16.22 $6.50 (used) |
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WAPPA GAPPA discography
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WAPPA GAPPA top albums (CD, LP, MC, SACD, DVD-A, Digital Media Download)
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WAPPA GAPPA Live Albums (CD, LP, MC, SACD, DVD-A, Digital Media Download)
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WAPPA GAPPA Reviews
Showing last 10 reviews only
Wappa Gappa Jazz Rock/Fusion
Review by
b_olariu
Prog Reviewer

Wappa Gappa Jazz Rock/Fusion
Review by
kev rowland
Special Collaborator Crossover Prog Team

There are gentle quiet passages, then off they go on another rock out. It's all quite fun really. Although initially released in Japan it is now also available in Europe through Musea. As for the name? On the site they tell us that '"Wappa"means hand cuffs in japanese plicemen's slang."Gappa" in chinese character can be read with a meaning of "I break it". There is a hidden hope behind our name which says " Be free, be yourself".' Now you know!
Originally appeared in Feedback #79, June 2004
Wappa Gappa Jazz Rock/Fusion
Review by
Windhawk
Special Collaborator Honorary Collaborator

And it is a fairly innovative creation we're dealing with in this case, and a rather sophisticated entity to boot. It is also a testimony to the fact that challenging, creative music doesn't need to be hard on the ears and the brain, as this band manage to craft accessible compositions without losing the innovative edge and groundbreaking features.
Their style is perhaps the part of the proceedings hardest to describe in an accurate manner, although a word like eclectic does come to main rather quickly when listening through this CD. There's a subtle but distinct jazz orientation to their endeavours, with bass guitar and to some extent drums catering for this part of the total package. On the other hand, the keyboards and organ used throughout adds a symphonic sheen to the proceedings, while the guitars ventures closer into an expression fans of early 80's King Crimson might recognize.
Of course, it's the manner in which these different instruments are assembled and utilized which makes this special. And the compositions all share some features. One of them is that some parts of each composition is of a fairly accessible nature. More purebred symphonic oriented with a firm hold on harmonies most often, occasionally with a fusion orientation for these passages. Other parts are fairly challenging in nature, combining the diversity previously described in challenging movements, where differing levels of intensity and tonal range utilized see to it that the different stylistic expressions somehow does manage to combine into a whole. And a major asset that manage to assemble the various musical details at odds with each other into a contextual whole are the lead vocals of Yamamoto. Her distinct, melodic delivery adds a smooth coating to the proceedings that is a vital ingredient in this peculiar mix.
The end result is a rather unique blend of challenging art rock, symphonic progressive rock and fusion. With a number of nuances and details catering for the challenging aspects, while the latter two tends to be somewhat more up front and thus leading to compositions that retain an accessible nature despite seeking out new musical grounds to cover. And as such a production that merits a check by those who are fond of innovative progressive rock as well as by liberal minded symphonic art rock and fusion enthusiasts.
Wappa Gappa Jazz Rock/Fusion
Review by
Cesar Inca
Special Collaborator Honorary Collaborator

Wappa Gappa Jazz Rock/Fusion
Review by
hdfisch
Prog Reviewer

The opener Souk is not quite suitable for falling in love with this record immediately, but after a few spins and getting used to the vocals the song becomes more attractive revealing some very interesting moments and actually it should appeal to fellows preferring odd stuff. Very intricate and slightly odd song with excellent keyboard, bass and guitar work. Kirmes is basically a more accessible and melodic song although once again vocals by Tamami Yamamoto provide a certain amount of oddity. Another very positive aspect of this album is that keyboard solos are mainly done by the good ol' Hammond. Ranja is a very nice and excellent symphonic prog song with a slight jazzy touch, certainly one of the highlights here having a rather melancholic basic mood with nice flute keyboard tunes combined with excellent guitar/bass play. Vocals are sounding as well very enjoyable on this one. In The Golden Apples Of The Sun melodious and complex sections are alternating in a very felicitous way and here it's becoming quite evident how dominant the bass play is in their music. There's as well a very fine solo provided by excellent guitarist Yasuhiro Tachibana and keyboarder Hideaki Nagaike uses some tunes sounding quite interesting, second highlight of the album. Not to forget to mention that in general musicianship is really excellent here. Without going too much into detail of the rest of the songs I can just say that they are anything than inferior keeping well the quality standard of the album's first half. Closing track Etranger can be called another highlight with once again an excellent guitar solo.
SUMMARY: Third album by this interesting Japanese band is an excellent and solid work presenting some first classed musicianship and should provide enough complexity and pleasure to most prog collectors for quite a few spins. Although possibly not an essential one, it might certainly appeal to all lovers of modern intricate symphonic/jazz fusion. I'd like to rate it with 3.5 stars!
Wappa Gappa Jazz Rock/Fusion
Review by swalter

Wappa Gappa Jazz Rock/Fusion
Review by swalter

Wappa Gappa Jazz Rock/Fusion
Review by
Sean Trane
Special Collaborator Prog Folk
