LIVE IN TOKYO

This live set recorded in Tokyo during One Shot's tour of Japan in 2010 is simply a breathtaking, blistering performance. The sound quality of the recording is absolutely first rate, the separation of the individual instruments remarkable as well as the overall clarity. This recording is our introduction to the newest member of the band, keyboardist Bruno Ruder, and he certainly does not disappoint with his playing throughout the record. While all the musicians deliver outstanding performances, it is worth noting that Daniel Jeand'heur has over the years honed his craft, and evidence of this is fully displayed here - he plays with such ferocious precision that calls to mind the late great Pip Pyle at times. Then of course we have one of the premier modern masters of the bass guitar; Bussonnet does nothing short of giving us one of the finest performances of his career.

This is the one of those records where the only knock on it is it might be too short! While the album is fantastic start to finish, a wonderful highlight for me personally was the performance of Ewaz Vader - the band took what was already a great studio cut to the next level, with an intense, unrelenting rendition.

It's easy to run out of superlatives for this record. One Shot has clearly established themselves at the forefront of modern jazz-rock outfits. For fans of zeuhl and high-energy jazz-rock, this release simply must be obtained. 4.5 stars - I was sorely tempted to round to 5. Highest possible recommendation.

ONE SHOT are one of my all-time favourite bands.That combination of Fender Rhodes piano, huge bass lines and outstanding drumming all in a dark and heavy setting just does it for me. Yes there is guitar too but it seems to take a back seat in this style of music a lot of the time. 3 / 4 of the band were MAGMA members and as you might guess from the band's name they didn't really expect to carry on after the one concert. I say 3 / 4 "were" MAGMA members because keyboardist Emmanuel Borghi has since been replaced by Bruno Ruder, but of note he has also replaced Emmanuel in MAGMA. The guy can play ! And we still get tons of my beloved Fender Rhodes piano.This is a live performance from Tokyo, Japan and we even get the talents of guitarist Kido Natsuki on the final track.You might know him from BONDAGE FRUIT or KOREKYOJIN.

"Urm" is my favourite and it opens with a slow, dark beat as the Fender Rhodes comes and goes. A change 3 1/2 minutes then we get some huge bass lines a minute later. Love the guitar which reminds me of ANEKDOTEN. Check out the piano after 9 minutes as that heavy, hypnotic rhythm continues.Amazing track ! "Black P" is a classic ONE SHOT track. Check out the deep, growly bass from Bussonnet as the drums pound and the guitar plays over top. The Fender Rhodes comes and goes. Mac Gaw is ripping it up on the guitar after 5 minutes then it's Ruder's turn on the piano.

"Def MKI" begins with guitar then the drums and bass take over followed by keys. Angular guitar before 4 minutes. Great sound after 5 minutes. "Ewas Vader" has this pulsating ryhthm as the piano plays over top and the guitar grinds away. Incredible ! The throbbing bass with piano after 5 minutes sounds so good. It gets really intense after 9 minutes to end it. "Missing imperator" is quite heavy with slabs of bass and drums to start. It settles into a slow but heavy groove then it picks up before 3 minutes. The guitar continues over top. It settles back around 11 minutes and we get some killer drum work from Jeand'heur here. "Monsieur G" is the jazziest tune on here and the guitar (Kido) lights it up around a minute.The piano replaces the guitar. It turns jazzy again late to end it.

Well I am a fan-boy but 5 stars is what I have to give up for this live offering.

Is this still (progressive) jazz rock or already zeuhl? ... never mind, there's some fluent passage to state in any case. No wonder, three current MAGMA band members (guitar, bass, keys) are involved here, plus drummer Daniel Jeand'heur. You can experience outtakes from a fantastic performance by this French quartet, recorded 2010 in Japan. One hour brimful of big-hearted and virtuoso moments, each track is clocking around the ten minute mark, so they take the time to let it evolve in each and every case ... let's go Tokyo!

Provided with a strong fusion and canterbury styled outfit Black P is my personal highlight. I adore the dramatic Rhodes piano riffs at the beginning, Bruno Ruder arrives at top form while playing in such a playful manner, and it sounds like he's using a wah-wah pedal here - fantastic! This also features guitar solos and an irresistibly meandering bass. With Ewaz Vader they probably seem to break all records when it comes to the tempo, wow! Can't really imagine what is composed here and what improvised on the other hand. Def MK1 at least stands for well attuned guitar and Rhodes cooperation which never ever can come out of the blue.

'Live In Tokyo' showcases a very energetic presence, recorded with top-notch audio quality on top of it - well, please concentrate on this powerful bass for a while! Highly recommended to jazz rock and zeuhl fans. An album with complex arrangements which even sometimes seem to lose order in between, dizzying ... but always with intent ... and caution. It all lives from the musician's somnambulistic interaction of course, just take Monsieur G which leaves me fascinated every time I listen. Can't imagine who has the ability to make it better - please tell me. 4.5 stars with entitlement to a masterpiece ... we just have to wait a while.