Mr. Potato Man visits Osaka

So, this past weekend was sparked by an opportunity to play my music for an event at Mad Kafe in Amemura at moment's notice, and ended in a surreal progression of events due to sharin' good music, meeting cool people, drinking too many energy drinks mixed with alcohol, dancing, lack of sleep, rain, acting, and in the end, talking to a potato.

I had played at Mad Kafe once before, with some other friends of mine who set up this show. Pauley and boys of KJ rockin the place out last December, shortly after I came back from our visit in the States. I remember, though, I had a bad first gig there because my sound was for shit and I wasn't gettin' the vibe, so I never expected to come back. Just chalk one up, I thought, but out of the blue the other week I got a contact from the owner of Mad Kafe to see if I wanted to join in on a live event that was happening the upcoming weekend. After a bit of pondering, I agreed, and hoped to redeem myself from my first appearance there.(note, I don't think I played a horrible show the first time, 'cause people were digging it, the negative vibes is just me criticizing myself) Now, whenever I have a gig in Osaka, there comes the inevitable decision of whether or not I can or should pull and all-nighter(since trains stop running by around midnight: our last train to go back home being 11:32pm) Throwing caution to the wind, and it being warm weather, I decided that I'd party all night. One deciding factor was that I had to be back in Osaka on Sunday morning for a film shoot, where I was asked to be an extra before hand by a good friend of mine. So, with plans for Sunday, I figured staying up in Osaka all night till Sunday morning would be the best, and most interesting, course of action.

I got to Mad Kafe about 8:30pm, located in Amemura, a central hub of nightlife in Osaka named after I guess the "American" style which permeates the stores, bars, and shops there. It's short for American village; mura means village in Japanese. They were setting up the sound, and I noticed a drum set, two guitar amps, a few mics on stands, and a highway of cables. Yay, I thought, maybe I'll play some drums tonight too. It's not very often I get to these days in Japan, for lack of space as well as the noise factor. The headlining band, １★狂 ／ ICHI BANG BOSHI CREW, came in about a half hour later and did their sound check. The whole night was to be arranged around their set, which didn't start till 1am, so I asked Will, the owner, whenever is cool with me. There were also to be various DJs of various styles spinning all night(and eventually morning) in between live acts. I was the first live act to play, my set started at 11pm for about a 30min-40min.

I did a live looping set with my guitar, vocal, portable drum machine, and also jumped on the drum set. It was a great set, I thought, the highlight for me being an improvised jam that was a mix of Middle Eastern, Indian raga style and surf music. Don't ask me where that came from, my fingers just decided that's what they wanted to play. Wish I had a vid or recording of that. Since this small club was geared for dance music, the system was bass heavy, which is not very friendly to acoustic instruments, but I took advantage of this feedback phenomenon and shaped some rather metallic, pulsing sounds through out my set and integrated those into the soundscapes I was creating. I watched the people there, it wasn't a full room yet, eyes watching me, some heads bopping, phones taking pics, and after each song... silence. I think they didn't know how to react to what I was doin' because I probably looked like a man possessed, but after a few seconds cheering and applauding would ensue. So, that was a good sign. Closed the set with an accapella version of Redemption Song I've been known to do, while beating out a rhythm on my guitar. The sound in the room was real nice.

I packed up my gear, and headed out to catch a subway train down to Tennoji. I wanted to catch a friend's band who were playing at Tin's Hall, and also get my pay from my last gig.(I had to leave so quickly last time I played at Tin's, I forgot to get paid!) I was also courting the idea of possibly playing a set at Tin's tonight too, if possible, so I took my guitar with me just in case. I left Mad Kafe a bit after 12am, and got to Tin's just in time to catch the tail end of the last song. Rising Sons are a power trio and perform all their own original material. Nice sounds. I hung out for a bit, talking to the drummer and his brother, ordered a hamburger and drink a few drinks, then talked to the lead singer, Danny, for a bit. Since we're both musicians with our own gigs, we rarely get to see one another because of conflicting schedules, but it was nice to be able to chat with him. He decided to come back with me to Mad Kafe and join in a jam session. We left Tin's around 2am, walked in the rain to catch a taxi back to Amemura.


When we got there another live band was playing; piano, vocals, drums and bass called The Geminaic. Kinda singer songwriter type of music. Then this cat Dan Kane joined them, doin' a few bluesy numbers. He had really good voice, played acoustic, and blew a pretty good harp. I was getting antsy, so I asked Danny if I could borrow his Strat(I only had my acoustic guitar) so I could join in and jam with them. He said go right a head, and I waited to catch the eye of Dan the singer, to see if it was okay if I could jump in with them. Got the green light, so I plugged in Danny's guitar to an amp and we did a few tunes. His Strat was real nice, but his strings were heavier than I'm use to. Good sounds though, and the people were diggin' the music.

After that jam, Dan stayed on and did a few solo original songs. On this last song, a cover that I can't remember at the moment, the piano player joined in, and I grabbed my sticks and brushes and jumped on the drum set. Good times. I stayed behind the drum set and we played a bit more, then it was just me and piano player, Derron, and Danny jumped in and starting playing bass. We got a sorta Medeski, Martin, and Wood groove going on, but I'm so outta practice on the drums my endurance is lacking. I kept it was tight as I could, no doubt. Then, the original Japanese bass player guy grabbed the bass, and Danny picked up the acoustic guitar, and Dan the singer rocked the vocals. It was good jam session, especially since it was the first time we all played together. We didn't even know each other's names at that point.

We got the crowd cookin' and decided to hand it off to the next DJ. Finally, introductions were made, drinks were drunk, and the music pumped on and the room was dancin'. My friend Louis, who also lives in my neighborhood of Goido, showed up with a few friends of his. We happened to take the same train into the city, and I told him where I'd be playing and to stop by. We all danced and drank and had good ole time. Consequently, last time I hung out with Louis in Osaka all night was the night of the yakuza incident which I posted awhile back, Kicked in the by Yakuza.

Hours zipped by like minutes in the non-stop music, as the DJs handed off each set to the next DJ like relay runners passing a baton in a race. Even Will the owner pumped the grooves at one point, bringing the Chicago house flava into the mix. It's an environment I haven't recently found myself in, dance clubs, that is. Not that I don't like dancing or dance clubs, just never went to them on a regular basis. There were those off nights in my younger days we'd head up to Chicago to clubbing. It was great to see people dancing and letting loose, voyeurs and exhibitionists mingling in the electricity generated by bodies jumping, shaking, slithering, and twisting to an ever increasing tempo. I traded my beers for energy drinks, which kept me going strong as the evening progressed to dawn, and dawn turned to morning; all hidden from our senses in this little club, with no windows or clocks. At one point, a few of us were chillin' in the lobby area, taking a break from dancing, and one girl insisted that we NOT tell her what time it was after some else asked the question. You think if Cinderella didn't know it was close to midnight, she could've stayed later and wouldn't have had to go through all the trouble to get the prince? I looked at my watch, nearly 6am. Still over two hours before my meeting at 8:30 for the film shoot. Louie was pretty wasted at this point, but had a trio of very nice English girls taking care of him. The girl who didn't want to know what time is was kept telling Louis she was a Russian spy, or some other kinda of nonsense... hahaha. I went back in, got another drink and talked with Dan the singer for awhile about music. And the DJs played on.

Before I knew it, I checked my watch again and it was 8am. The crowd had dwindled to about half a dozen, but still goin' strong. The music was ever more intense and the DJ was also free styling over the heavy, heavy beats, steadily flowin' a blur of indecipherable words and phrases. It was quite impressive. A Japanese couple, who I noticed had been there for a good portion of the evening, had been trolling the scene for what I deduced a late night lover to take home with them. I didn't know if they were looking for a boy or girl, I wasn't sure, but I saw them leave with a young, Middle Eastern looking guy, that morning. I caught Louis attention, as he was nearly falling asleep on one of the speakers, and told him that I was heading out. He left with me and we headed to the nearest subway station, and was pondering the notion of joining in as an movie extra, but by the time we got Shinsaibashi Station he decided it would be best to just chill out and sleep in one spot. So I left him there just outside of the staton, where he picked a quiet, unobtrusive spot on the sidewalk to sleep. He does this quite well, sleeping in public. It's kinda like his super power. And, fortunately, in Japan it's safe for such behavior. Not many people, other than homeless or drunk people, do it, but it's reassuring to know you can be fairly safe in public slumber.


I got to Fukushima Station, which is just West of Umeda, around 8:45am. I was late, but Shizuka and a guy from the film crew where waiting patiently for me. That short subway ride seemed to drain me, or maybe it was the sun, or all those energy drinks were crashing my will. Whatever it was, the world had that haze you get when you've pushed your body to its limits, everything looked softer and the sounds around you are muted, and your body is a heavy bag of sand. I jumped in the waiting car, and we drove a few blocks to the wine bar cafe where the shoot was taking place.

I met some of the crew, a few other actors, and was briefed on a scene I would take part in. I was to play a chef's assistant, so they gave me a costume(chef's jacket) and informed me that I had a line... well, sorta. I was supposed to mumble "Bochi bochi" over again five times, like I was trying to find the meaning. Which, honestly, is not far off. It means something like, "so so" in Kansai-ben. And, my character, Mike, is supposed to be kinda daydreaming and talking to himself while peeling a potato. Then, they told me to talk to the potato. Mixed with my smoldering fatigue and melting delirium from a night of dancing and music, talking to a potato seemed quite the right thing to do. I guess I nailed it... I honestly don't remember.

I took a very brief nap on a couch, maybe like 15min-20min, and woke up remembering that I had invited a bunch of people to come to the set to also be extras. Erin was suppose to arrive at 1pm with Doc and Emily. I was told my friend Genny was already at the station. So, Shizuka and I walked back to the station and waited around, then went to a nearby deli to get a bite. Erin and crew met up with us, and we were off back to the cafe for the party scene. We walked in the rain and it felt good to me.

The next few hours were spent sitting at made up tables as if we were at a party. It was still very surreal, with all the directions in Japanese, and the crew buzzing around with lights and cameras and mics and big pieces of styrofoam to deflect and control the lighting. My directions were simple, keep day dreaming about the potato... which I did. I was so engrossed in my potato dreams that I made a face with the potato wedges, a mound of mashed potatoes on my plate, and halved cherry tomatoes on the table. Apparently, the director was inspired by the honest channeling of my delirious state of mind into my character that, at the end, he had me talk to my potato based face plate for an improvised shot. Oh, potato man, where are you from?

We left the shoot around 5pm. So, let's see, I worked Saturday afternoon, starting at 2pm. After work, came home to get my gear and went to Mad Kafe by 8:30pm... 12 hours later, I was on a train to Fukushima for the shoot which all ended by 5pm. I think I was up for around 30-35hours. Not my record, but who's counting? I had a good time exploring the Osaka night life, sharing good music, dancing, meeting cool people, and have my debut on film. Even though I'm not as young as I used to be, it's still nice to know I can be from time to time(it just takes me much longer to recuperate).

Music in Japan

Okay, you know that my life is pretty much dedicated to these main things, Erin, my family, and friends, and of course MUSIC; listening, playing, making, talking about, etc., so it's about time that I share my musical insights and experiences since I arrived here in Japan. First off, it's not as weird as you might image... okay, yes, there are some weird things and this first picture seems to trump that statement, but seriously, it's not that weird... This guy here in the pic, dressed up like some sorta hula power ranger is one of the guitarists for the band, Zubrowka, a local J-rock band that my friend Kati introduced me to. Actually, the bass player is a student at Kashiba HS(Nao, she rocks btw), and their music is a tight brand of punk/rock/pop/dance. It was cool to finally see a Japanese group that wasn't on tv, and wasn't all image-driven and talentless. These kids were doin' it right, costumes and all, and I had a great time at their show and they seemed to have a blast sharing playin' their music. There were several other acts throughout the evening at this little live house venue in Ikoma, a city directly north of where we live.
Here's Nao, the bad ass bass player. Don't let her cute cuteness catch you off guard, she wails on the bass. That's one thing I'm learning about Japanese people, often times when you first meet someone, they may seem one way initially, but once you get to know them, you'll learn more about them and perhaps they'll show you a different side about them. Japanese people tend to "hide" their skills or interests, unlike Americans who usually just put it all out there in plain view, as loud and as obnoxious as that can tend to be, hahaha. It's very interesting in the sense that you can be constantly learning about a Japanese friend you're whole life, with the many layers to peel back.

Another instance of this aspect of Japanese culture was recently observed when I was invited to a jam session by one of my friends from aikido. He dropped me a mail on my keitai about a monthly Dub/Noise jam goin' on in the near by town of Mamigaoko, and invited me to join since he knew that I played music(as a loud American, I let it be known to everyone that I meet here that I love music). Anyways, I was psyched to partake in a good ol' noise freak out jam, but how would it be in Japan my mind wandered. I met Tsuyoshi by bike, I packed with my arsenal of instruments as effects(at least those that I could carry with me on my bike) and we headed to this Thai curry house where the jam would take place, after hours when the place was closed. Tsuyoshi had with him his didgeridoo, and traditional Australian instrument that comes from the Aboriginal tribes of Australia. When played correctly, it gives a droning, low hum that can be altered in slight pitches and overtones. Very cool. I also learned that he plays guitar and ukulele, which never once came up in previous conversations... hence, the Japanese aspect of hidden talents or skills. Anyways, the jam was awesome and such a wonderful experience to share this type of free expression and improvisation with other people here in Japan. Even though I couldn't verbally communicate with them, since my Japanese is still elementary and their English skills were like my Japanese, but we were still able to make some real cool grooves and share our musical ideas. Music is truly a language of it's own.

To go back to the show in Ikoma, here are acouple more acts that performed that evening. The all girl band also had members who were also schoolgirls from Kashiba HS. And the guy on the right was very good too, only 18 or 19, and he played an Oasis song. Which brings me to the subject of Western influence on Japanese popular culture, namely music for this blog. It is all around, and unfortunate that the mass pop Japanese media has taken to such American devices as Japanese version of "Dancing with the Stars" or J-pop boy bands like Smap, or the countless other image driven musical acts permeate Japanese mass media. I guess the machine of the music industry is the same anywhere in the world, but that will never discourage me to stand even taller against this kind of bastardization of the art form of music, as a music artist myself and an appreciator of said art. But, lately, it has been a breath of fresh air to meet other like minded artists, both Japanese and foreigners alike, as well as attending shows like the one in Ikoma, where there's a definitely DYI sorta attitude, a grassroots way of getting your music out there. I'm having as much fun discovering the ins and outs of the Japanese music scene as I am trying to find MY way into it. I came here with a mountain of obstacles to overcome as far as finding my musical place here, but it's coming along slowly but surely, and with many surprises along the way.

First of all, if you would've told me a year ago I'd have a jazz band in Japan I would've asked you what you've been smokin' and pass it along, but it is funny how life can bring such happy unexpected opportunities. To play with Chiaki and Kazuki Kataokasan has been a great experience. I've been learning so much from them, both outstanding musicians and fantastic friends, as well as experiencing some great live moments as The Ah-Un Trio. I always tickled the thought of playing jazz(preferably a pianist or a drummer, but I'm not nearly skilled for those roles), but now I'm getting a chance to infuse this style with my own. I won't ever fancy myself a jazz musician, but rather a person that can interpret something with a jazz attitude, if that makes any sense. I've played in more jazz clubs here in Japan than I've ever even attempted to play in the States, seriously. I think there's something about the fact that I'm in Japan and a foreigner that gives me the confidence to put it all out there and just do it. I figure my time here is limited, thus my time to experience Japan and to do the things I want to accomplish is limited. If I don't take chances, then I would surely regret those missed opportunities. It is a very special situation I am privileged to here in Japan, since I don't have to work, I have much time to explore not only this land and culture, but to also do what I do, which is music ultimately and test my art in an environment and to an audience that usually only comes to artists who have the money and resources and fame to play in Japan. I'm just some guy from Calumet City with boxes of instruments and crazy ideas, so what do I have to lose, right? Hahaha! It's brilliant! Japan will never know what hit them once my time is up here.

Here's me at the piano at le club Jazz in Kyoto, a club my friend Jack informed me about that I should check out. These guys were cool, and cool enough to let me jam with them. There was a drummer, guitarist, and organ player, and I played guitar for one tune and piano on another. There are certain rules to jammin' jazz, but I always forget them when I play at these sessions, but I really don't care since I'm not a jazz musician you see. So, I just do my thing. This, of course, is not particularly the normal Japanese way, but someone's gotta keep them on their toes. Anyways, I figure, even friends back home have trouble keeping up with me, unless they've played with me before, so why change my ways now... hahaha. Playing music with me is kinda like riding a rollercoaster, first you either like it or you don't, and the first time is usually bumpy and scarey, but by the end of it you wanna go again and again... hahaha. You just gotta hold on, keep your eyes open, scream and yell, and let go of or face any fears.

So, alongside of playing with Ah-Un and jammin' with local cats and other foreigner friends, I'm still chuggin' away at this solo thing. Always have and always will. I figure I started my love of music by myself, just me and a piano then a guitar, then everything else, living here in Japan is no different and just as good an environment to continue my own music. Here I am in our little aparto, see that ladder, go up there and that's where we sleep. And that tiny hallway through the door is our bathroom, kitchen, and front door. Just cozy enough to make some music, albeit not so loud, since the walls are paper thin. Lately, I've been recording videos in our little nest, of ideas of songs and just improvisations I'd come up with and capture with my handheld camera. Check them out on my profile (www.myspace.com/stephenmunoz) Utilizing technology has been a recent practice of mine to promote and just get my music out there, especially to folks back home whom I used to play for on a weekly basis. With a computer and the internet, the world is a lot smaller and more connected than once imaginable. I think this medium of communication is important not only for businesses, but must be used by the artists as well, to reach new audiences, to keep in contact with everyone, and use as a viable forum for expression. Of course there's crap on the internet as well, but as time rolls on and the internet becomes more of an everyday habit, the public learns how to navigate around the crap and wastes of time on here, to find the things they are really looking for, or learn about things and expand their spectrum of information. That's another paradox here in Japan, though they have the technology with computers and cheap highspeed internet, it's still in the minority that Japanese society are savvy to surf the web and live on the internet. It's not nearly as commonplace as it is in the States, where my 10year old niece knows how to navigate the internet, and a lot of young people here only have keitai(cell phone) e-mail addresses. I think moving here has made me more aware of the power of the internet than ever back home, since I'm constantly keeping touch with folks back home or looking up things about Japan, or promoting my music.
Speaking of promoting, check this pic of my friends Keiko and Mika and me. I recently played a gig in Shinsaibashi, Osaka at a posh cafe called Espoir, and my friend Shiraisan made this sweet poster for the show. It's the pic I recently use for my Myspace profile. The owner of the cafe had me sign it for him... rock star, right? I also got my pictures taken for a popular Japanese magazine, Hot Pepper, that night. We'll see if I'll get to be in it. My friend Shiraisan founded the cable station, MJTV(Music Japan Television) and is also a DJ for 765 FM Cocolo, a world music and news radio station that broadcasts around this Kansai region. I've been super fortunate to meet these great people in the music business, and hope to meet more and keep up relations while I continue to pursue my music here in Japan. I'm working hard to do all I can to make my dreams come true, as cheezy as that may sound.


Here's some various shots from a few performances here in Japan and just randomness. The first two are from an open mic hosted by WhyNotJapan a website that promotes international parties, and yes, that is a belly dancing Elvis, just wait for the vids... seriously, belly dancing Elvis. The other two are one shot from my gig at Tin's Hall, me with my fox mask(I plan to wear that to a gig sometime, and playing with Ah-Un at the Sancheri Hotel in Sakurai, Nara.

It's been a lot of work to relearn the business here, as well as making new connections and finding venues and a new audience, and I often think of the folks back home, like Finnegan's and the crew, Midstates, my musical comrades P. Schmitz and S. Larson, our new Door County family especially the Nicks and my boy Fatty, as well as the host of fine musicians I've had the privilege to play and share music with, and all those regulars and audience members who would come out to my gigs and support what I was doing. It's impossible to replace that kinda love that only time and experience has created, but I'm hoping to create at least a little bit of that out here. Though it's still too soon to tell, but I hope as time goes on my experiences here in Japan will prove to be as fruitful and lasting as my experiences and relationships back home.



(Sorry Paul Schmitz, this is the best picture of you I could find)

Creole in Kobe, Savanah in Osaka, and I'll be on Japanese TV!!!

Today I went to Kobe to see my friends' jazz group perform at the Creole Acoustic Live Music club, and then on my way back, stopped in Osaka for an open mic at the Savanah. I thought it was quite amusing that my day in Japan had this Southern U.S. underlying theme. I swear I didn't consciously plan it so.

Kobe looked a lot like the Bay Area in California,: hilly streets, little shops, worldly cuisine options, houses on hills, etc. It was a gorgeous day to be walking in a new city.




Mr. and Mrs. Kataoka are married and are part-time jazz musicians around Nara, Osaka, and Kobe. He's a drummer /percussionist and she plays the flute. I will be performing with them at the end of the month in Osaka. I met them through my wonderful Japanese teacher Miwako, and we hit it off in our initial rehearsal. They invited me to their performance in Kobe to meet their music sensei(teacher), Mr. Shibata. He was very cool, an excellent musician. They played a variety of pieces, but mostly bossa nova. I would have never thought that I would be mingling in a Japanese jazz community when I first arrived here, but that's how the cards are falling.

I'm so glad to finally get some things rollin with music, now that I'm a bit more settled.

The room was great at the Creole Acoustic Live Music club. When I saw a big Keith Jarrette poster hanging on the wall, and his 1996 DVD playing, I knew it was a serious venue. They had a nice grand piano there too.


So after the show at Creole, I hopped on the train back East bound for Osaka. Having lived in the 'burbs my whole life, I never had to rely on public transportation. In fact, I've probably used other cities public transit systems more then I've ever used CTA, South Shore, Metra. or EL. So, it's been a very new experience for me to rely on public transit here in Japan, and it's been an adventure to learn: what lines to take, stops, transfers, tickets(kippu), people watching, etc. It's been fun, but I do have the luxury of time to play with. There's a site, hyperdia.com, we always use, where you can put in your starting and ending points and time of departure, and it calculates the different routes, price, time, transfers, and arrival time. Indespensibly helpful, let me tell you. If you visit Japan, use this site.

I arrived at Osaka, and hopped on the subway to Shinsaibashi in Osaka, where Savanah is located. I got there early to sign-up, ate some Jambalaya(pretty good), met this supercool Japanese guy who actually lives in the States, but is back for a visit to Japan, and patienly waited till the music started. The place got more crowded at the clock turned. I played a short set, though with some technical glitches in my equipment, and I think people dug it. The MC announced everyone, and when I got up there I didn't know what he was asking me, I just wanted to play music. I felt like what racing horses look like when their in their stalls, waiting for the doors to open and then start running. I was a quite anxious to play, so it was a bit sloppy. Nonetheless, you soldier on. I went back up with my friend Elaine to accompany her with guitar. It was a very musical day.

Also, at Savanah, there was a two man video crew filming for a television show to promote the website that sponsored the open mic. I guess it's sorta like Japanese MTV, at least that's what was said. Anyways, I volunteered to give a short interview, along with a bunch of other volunteers, so I'll be on Japanese tv sometime actin' totally goofy, speaking horribly broken Japaninglish. Can I patent that word? I would have never thought that I would be on Japanese tv when I first arrived here. If I see the clip, I'm gonna laugh my ass off, because I was acting totally genki. "Genki" is the word used to describe the happy, cheery, sweetly sick demeanor you might see in anime characters, just about every tv personality, and a majority of retail sales clerks. So, genki was I to fit into the Japanese tv that I watch to emphatically to get my ears accoustomed to the language. I'm sure I probably will look and sound like I'm drunk.

This was a wonderfully productive day, not only for seeing and experiencing more of Japan, and not only for hearing and sharing great music and meeting new people, but more importantly for feeling the potential energy for a fruitful life during our stay here in Japan. We are blessed to be given this opportunity to live here, and I plan to make the most of this blessing by accomplishing my goals as a musical artist, traveling, learning the language and more about Japanese culture, and sharing all these experiences with Erin so when we're old and grey we can look back in our story, and recall our chapter(s) in Japan together.