So you think you know J-Pop?…J-Pop in the jazz lounge would like to test your knowledge.

Tackey & Tsubasa giveaway single

A few weeks ago I posted here my mom's trip to Hokkaido and one of the items she brought back for me was Tackey & Tsubasa's most recent single release "Koi uta", however she wasn't aware that I had already received all 3 versions of this single so there's just one thing to do………give it away. ^-^ The details of this "Jacket A" version or "Koi Ban" version can be found in this post as this is the edition which includes a bonus DVD containing the 21 minute "drama" version of the music clip.

Anyone who's been reading here for awhile knows that I'm a long time fan of jazz music and it represents close to about 30% of my non Japanese music collection, most of it which was collected during my days of working at a music store here in Hawaii. Anything from be-bop, big band, fusion, acoustic to contemporary fits my jazz fancy as jazz is such a wonderfully diverse music language to delve into and enjoy. So here I present to you 6 jazz trio renditions of both the J-Pop and J-Rock genres which are being performed by a very talented trio of Japanese musicians. The songs here are being translated by piano, acoustic bass, and drums and what you may immediately notice is how much "sound" such a small collection of instruments can create and the lively ambiance they resonate presents the listener with a most relaxing atmosphere to fall in love with.

So whether you're just enjoying J-Music gone jazz or think you recognize what song(s) are being improvised on here I hope you enjoy the music. And if anyone can meet the challenge I'll send Tackey & Tsubasa's "Koi uta" Koi Ban version release to whomever can name the most of these J-Pop/J-Rock songs first. First and foremost each of these six J-Music tunes were huge hits so nothing here is obscure by any means so it's just a matter of if you are able to pick the tune out from the jazz arrangement. I may be able to give you additional little hints if you request them here. 🙂

A: "Celery"

Smap

Song A was released as a single by this five member male group which was originally comprised of six members and reached sales exceeding 700,000 copies reaching the #2 spot on the Oricon chart.

C: "Hidamari no uta"

Le Couple

Song C was a smash hit single for this 2 member male/female group. This song was also used as a "secondary" theme song for a very popular Japanese drama where it acted as one of the main character's themes.

E: "Garasu no shounen"

Kinki Kids

Sankaku_Girl has identified song E!! (^o^)/ (8/25/08)

Song E enjoyed sales exceeding 1.7 million and is performed by a Johnny's Entertainment group. Both group members share the same last name but aren't related.

F: "Time Goes By"

Every Little Thing

Song F sold more than 1.1 million copies peaking at #2 on the Oricon chart and was released by this 3 member group featuring a female vocalist however just two years later one of the group's primary songwriters would leave.

H: "Can You Celebrate?"

Amuro Namie

Sankaku_Girl has identified song H!! (^o^)/ (8/25/08)

Song H is the best selling single for this Okinawan female artist reaching #1 on the charts and selling over 2.2 million copies.

I: "Deatta koro no you ni"

Every Little Thing

Song I boasted sales exceeding 600,000 copies and is this groups' 5th single. The female lead singer once won a karaoke singing contest which led to an independent single release which then led to her becoming this group's vocalist.

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