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| Band Profile Baraka is an ancient Sufi word meaning “breath of life” or “blessing” |
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The band was formed in 1997 by Shin Ichikawa(bass and vocals), Issei Takami(guitar and vocals) and Max Hiraishi (drums and backing vocals). Although the band is influenced by Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, King Crimson and other such artists from the world of rock during the 1960s and 70s, they do not restrict their vision to rock alone. As well as incorporating influences from many other types of music such as jazz and funk, the band got off to a start by exploring the possibilities of the guitar trio and original musical styles by fusing the performance styles of the band's individual members, each of whom has had an extensive career in the past. In search of a sense of scale and originality, the band decided to adopt a progressive approach. A group with a heavy rock feel, free-wheeling guitar work, and an ensemble that generates a sense of unity with its great match of highly distinctive arrangements and vocals: Baraka creates numbers with an aggressive, thrilling and clear beauty that sets them apart from more conventional bands who aspire to create a sound of mere formal beauty. After six monthes of preparation, the band made its live debut in April 1998. Since them Baraka has followed a busy schedule of live perfomances especially in Tokyo and the surrounding area. The band gave its first tour of Japan in July 1999, since when it has toured regularly every year performing live all over Japan from Hokkaido to Okinawa. This extensive stage experience has enabled the band to develop its own distinctive performance style, and its live performances have all the gusto of a top-class rock band One of the band's initial goals had been to perform overseas, an ambition which was realized in December 2000 when they had the opportunity to play in London. Since then they have given many live performances overseas in parallel with their work in Japan. Their reputation has been growing everywhere, and in 2004 they released their fifth album, BARAKA, in Australia. They appeared at the NXNE(North by North East) Music Festival in Toronto in June 2002, and despite the fact that there were around 3,000 groups of artists competing from all over the world, they ended up performing at the festival as the only group selected from Asia. They were presented on many of the mass media and an interview with them was broadcast on the music program MUCH TV" BARAKA appeared at PROG'SUD, the international progressive rock festival held over four days on the outskirts of Marseille in May 2006. Among all the bands appearing at this festival, BAKARA had the smallest line-up but was acclaimed as a powerful trio generating maximum energy. LIVE PERFORMANCES OVERSEAS
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| Members |
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Shin Ichikawa Bass, Vocals born on April 20, 1961 His interest in music was stimulated by the Beatles when he was 13 years old and he began playing the bass at the age of 16. Since then he has been active consistently in the role of main vocalist and bassist. Favorite artists: The Beatles Queen, John Wetton |
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Issei Takami Guitar, Vocals born on March 20, 1965 He took up the guitar at the age of 13 under the influence of his elder brother. He has absorbed the essence of many genres, which are reflected in his guitar style. Favorite artists: Jimi Hendrix, Frank Zappa, Miles Davis |
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Max Hiraishi
Drums, Backing Vocals born on January 14, 1963 He began the guitar at the age of 12 after awakening to rock music and moved over to drums when he was 17. He aspires to a tight and heavy rhythmic feel. Favorite artists: Carmine Appice, Jeff Porcaro, Led Zeppelin |
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