070531

Behind this somehow cryptical title is in fact the recording date, May 31th, 2007. For those who already know Koenji, enough to say that this DVD will be an absolutely lovely addition to your collection. What makes it special is the presence - besides the Koenji crew - of 3 important players and personalities from the Japanese musical scene. Hoppy Kamiyama, owner of the much praised label God Mountain, inventive if not at times extravagant keyboardist, always creative and surprising; Tsuneo Imahori, a splendid guitarist that should deserve much more acknowledgement, member of Tipographica and founder of Unbeltipo, present in really plenty of recordings (among other in duo with Tatsuya); and at last violinist Akihisa Tsuboy from the famous fusion prog outfit KBB. Wooo! What a treat! If not enough, then please note that the DVD is dealt in two parts; the 6 first tracks are improvisations with several combinations of the guests and the rhythm section; follows the Koenji set WITH the guests performing too. So not only will you have a freer side of Koenji related music but also a splendid and rich performance of the band's music, uplifted by the competent guests taking their share in this dynamic vital music and bringing it some miles further, with assurance and eloquence. Koenji is well alive, an ever changing hybrid Zeuhl beast with many faces, that surely still can hook newcomers!