DJ Krush
"Code 4019"

by Robert Schwartz

DJ Krush is a Japan original. DJ, turntablist, mixer and musician, the man evolved on these shores starting in the mid-eighties in relative isolation and thus has developed a unique, wicked DJ style. He's released five studio albums of his own music and now comes forth with his first DJ mix album. His sets behind the wheels of steel here in Tokyo have become legendary, culling gems from a disparate range of fascinating source material. DJ Krush regularly layers crucial breakbeats with all manner of hip hop, jazz, or dances samples and then weaves in musicians from across geographic boundaries. His use of African drumming or Eastern European vocals has spiced up his offerings and given them that added allure much needed in dance music today. Check out track No. 9 where Krush interlaces in the vocal harmonies of the Orchestra and Choir of Bulgarian Radio with funky riffs from Japan's own Monkey-ken and DJ Seto. This fine release is a thickly textured breakbeat mix which keeps a mid-tempo, uses awesome drum breaks, drops in melodies from free jazz to R&B and seasons it all with both sweet and dissonant vocals. Check it out.

Over 200 music listings in this month's Tokyo Journal!!