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Hanaregumi |
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Nagazumi Takashi |
Guitar/Vocal |
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Profile |
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It is approximately 6657 miles (10713 km) as the crow flies from Nashville Tennessee to Tokyo, the birthplace of Nagazumi Takashi. But while it would take quite the crow to fly all that way, it is clear that the sweet twangs of a country guitar know no such limits. Thus, despite being born in a rather inconvenient location to be a country artist, Hanaregumi dishes up sweet alt-folk/country ditties with great proficiency.
According to Nagazumi, his intention in creating Hanaregumi was to create "Life Music", painting a portrait of his everyday life. In order to achieve this effect, when Nagazumi records he always does so in the comfort of his home studio. And while Hanaregumi's works definitely bear the polished stamp of a major label release, they also convey an intimacy that is often lacking in albums put out by a major. The allure of Hanaregumi lies largely in Nagazumi's vocals, which cover a great dynamic range and are filled with sincerity. Backing up Nagazumi's vocals are folk and country melodies utilizing Nagazumi's guitar and other instruments varying from pianos to harmonicas to a full brass section.
Nagazumi's musical career began as the vocalist for the funk group Super Butter Dog, but he parted ways with the band in 2002 to pursue his solo career as Hanaregumi. He made his first appearance shortly after as a secret guest opening for Polaris and Nathalie Wise, and his heartfelt ballads instantly made fans of many in the audience. His first album On Time was released in November of 2002. While On Time was a solid debut, it wasn't until his sophomore album, Hibi no Awa that Nagazumi truly found his voice. Despite numerous famous guest artists and producers, Hibi no Awa is a truly personal album that stays away from the tendency of On Time to get overly poppy. With his latest release, Kaettara, Utaitaku Nattemo Ii you ni to Omotta no da. he continues this trend, despite the fact that nearly half of the songs are covers of bands such as Quruli and Super Butter Dog.
In addition to releasing three albums in slightly more than three years, Hanaregumi has maintained a busy tour schedule. In 2004, he performed a 10 show all-Japan tour in support of Hibi no Awa. In the summer of 2004 he also performed at the Fuji Rock Festival, the Rock In Japan Festival, the Rising Sun Rock Festival and 4 other major rock festivals.
In late 2005, Nagazumi released a best of album, then put his work as Hanaregumi on hold to form supergroup Ohana with Ohya Yusuke of Polaris and Harada Ikuko of Clammbon. Whether he decides to put out more material as Hanaregumi remains to be seen.
- Graham (published 2005.03.09, updated 2006.03.27) |
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Links |
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Artist homepage
Toshiba EMI
Samples |
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Discography list |
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| Albums |
| TOCT-24911 |
On Time |
| TOCT-25272 |
Hibi no Awa |
| TOCT-25579 |
Kaettara, Utaitaku Nattemo Ii you ni to Omotto no da. |
| TOCT-25817 |
hana-uta |
Singles |
| GSCA-5003 |
Kazoku no Fuukei |
| TOCT-4535 |
Letter/Hanky Panky |
| TOCT-4631 |
Sarara |
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hana-uta (Album)
Released: 2005.09.14 (TOCT-25817)
Label: Toshiba EMI
Tracklist
1. Kazoku no Fukei
2. On Time
3. Ashita Tenki ni Nare
4. Hanky Panky
5. Letter
6. Sarara
7. Ashita he Yuke
8. Fureru Mind
9. Doremiregee
10. Jamaica Song
11. Yume de Aimashou
12. Soshite Boku ha Tohou ni Kureru
13. Nemuri no Mori
14. Yume no Nioi |
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Kaettara, Utaitaku Nattemo Ii you ni to Omotto no da. (Album)
Released: 2005.01.26 (TOCT-25579)
Label: Toshiba EMI
Tracklist
1. Tip Tip
2. Tokusoku Jou
3. Kaeru
4. Boku ha Kimi ja Nai kara
5. Otoko no Ko to Onna no Ko
6. Nemuru no Machi ~Tidur Tidur~
7. Hanarei Hamabei
8. Odoru Hitotachi
9. Boku Mode Kimi Mode
10. Hanare Biito
11. Ashita he Yuke
12. Arifureta Kotoba
13. Happy Birthday to You |
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Hibi no Awa (Album)
Released: 2004.01.21 (TOCT-25272)
Label: Toshiba EMI
Tracklist
1. Uraraka Sun
2. Letter
3. Mado Baiser
4. Hanky Panky
5. Sarara
6. Nage Kiss
7. Ki no Mi
8. Suteru to Michiru
9. Shinkuu
10. Musica |
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Sarara (Single)
Released: 2003.11.19 (TOCT-4631)
Label: Toshiba EMI
Tracklist
1. Sarara
2. Everyday People |
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Letter/Hanky Panky (Single)
Released: 2003.09.18 (TOCT-4535)
Label: Toshiba EMI
Tracklist
1. Letter
2. Hanky Panky |
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On Time (Album)
Released: 2002.11.27 (TOCT-24911)
Label: Toshiba EMI
Tracklist
1. On Time
2. Yuki no Naka ni
3. Ashta Tenki ni Nare
4. Kazoku no Fuukei
5. Jamaica Song
6. Wake Up Shite Kudsai
7. Kakome Kakome
8. Natalie
9. Ichinichi no Owari ni |
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Kazoku no Fuukei (Single)
Released: 2002.10.02 (GSCA-5003)
Label: Five Stars Ltd.
Tracklist
1. Kazoku no Fuukei
2. On Time
3. Shinkuu
4. Mado Baiser |
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