[[[ barakrock.com ]]] TOUR

Band Profile
Baraka is an ancient Sufi word meaning “breath of life” or “blessing”

BARAKA was formed in Tokyo in 1997 with three members, Shin ( bass and vocals), Issei ( guitar and vocals) and Max ( drums).

The band's blood is "edge rock" , including prog rock , jazz , funk , and blues. They create their own unique musical idiom in which an aggressive and thrilling presentation is combined with a freewheeling performance style made possible by their simple lineup which is trio.

Their stage performance are full of the powerful sound and tight ensemble. BARAKA has played over 300 gigs all over Japan as well as abroad like Britain, Canada (NXNE music festival in Toronto), America, Australia and Europe where they have met with the highest praise.

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.

The band produced 8 albums in its 11 years of existence. In 2007, they recorded their first all instrumental album and this 7th album "BARAKA VII" was released from Musea Records on october 2007.

In the spring of 2008, the band had a tour in Europe and played at the PROG'SUD festival again and the Madrid Art Music Festival.

After coming back from the European Tour, they concentrated on recording a new album and the 8th album titled " Shade of Evolution" was released from Musea Records on October 2008.

LIVE PERFORMANCES OVERSEAS

2000	December	London (UK)
2001	August	London (UK)
2001	October	Bangkok (Thailand)
2002	June	Toronto (Canada), New York (USA)
2003	December	Australian tour(Melbourne, Gold Coast, Brisbane)
2004	April	Australian tour(Melbourne, Gold Coast, Sydney, Brisbane)
2005	April	Seoul (South Korea)
2006	May	Marseille (France)
2008	April-May	EUROPEAN TOUR
		Tournai(Belgium),Verona (Italy), Madrid(Spain), Marseille(France), La Palmyre/Les Mathes (France)

Members
		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

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

Max Hiraishi 　Drums　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