01Profile
A Masahiko Kitahara Photo
Masahiko Kitahara
Musician — Tokyo
03Interview
Name, where are you from?
Masahiko Kitahara (Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra), Tokyo.
What do you do?
Trombone player.
What’s the best gig you’ve ever been to?
In March 2017, Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra shared the bill with The Specials at three Zepp venues in Tokyo, Nagoya, and Osaka. Before those gigs where we opened for them, we met their guitarist Lynval Golding. He came to see one of our shows in Los Angeles and sat in on a song. So when we played on the same bill at those Zepp events, The Specials joined us, and we really tore it up. Those guys are two-tone legends, and it’s so cool that these originators are still active on the scene. Then to see them live just blew me away.
Which subcultures have influenced you?
When I first joined the Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra in 1988, the other guys in the band introduced me to punk and two-tone groups such as The Specials. That was the kicker for me to start listening to that kind of music. It was the spirit of that music, the punk way of life, that made me feel alive. In our band, that spirit is something we’ve maintained from the very beginning. It’s a feeling of single-mindedness and powerful energy… you can feel that spirit in our baritone sax player Atsushi Yanaka’s support lines. That was a big shock to my system, and once I discovered the spirit of UK punk, it's been my driving force ever since. The single-mindedness and powerful punk energy has been my biggest influence.
Of all the venues you’ve played, which is your favourite?
That has to be the first time I played at Glastonbury Festival. It was back in 2003. To get to the stage—well, it was more of a tent—we got off the bus and had to walk around 30–40 minutes. And then our backstage area was in the back of a truck. Those memories have stayed with me. It was a really tight squeeze on the stage, but we were all so new to the UK environment and the crowd was bouncing—they seemed to dig us. During the walk, we passed one of the bigger stages where The Skatalites were playing. I remember having the conversation that I hope one day, we can be up on that larger stage.
If you could be on the line up with any bands in history?
I wasn’t really aware of the punk scene during my early years, so I’m going to say The Clash. I’d love to get in the mix and play the trombone with one of the original punk bands. Even as old as I am now, I’d love to experience the London clubs of that time, breathe it all in, feel the raw passion. I’m really interested to know how I’d fit in, what I could do and feel.
If you could spend an hour with anyone from history?
I’d love to do a duo session with Amy Winehouse. At a festival, out in the open under a blue sky where I could listen to her voice up close. A more intimate indoor show with a crackling atmosphere could work, too. However, being out under the blue sky would be my ideal way to do it.
Your greatest unsung hero or heroine in music?
Without a doubt, Rico Rodriguez. Even from the perspective that we play the same instrument, his sense of timing and space is so good, and I’d love everyone to listen to more of his music. His playing is kind of heartwarming, kind of soothing. It just makes you feel warm. Whether you know a lot of trombone music or are completely new to the instrument, anybody can sense it. His tone and phrasing resonate with you.
02Playlist
04Playlist Notes
The first track you played on repeat?
'Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da' by The Beatles. I was in my third year at secondary school and we played it in my brass band. I remember it so clearly.
A song that defines the teenage you?
The Scottish folk song 'Blue Bells of Scotland'. There is an arrangement for piano and trombone that I’m still practising.
One record you would keep forever?
This has to be a Rico Rodriguez album. I’m going to choose 'Man from Wareika'. I have such good memories of recording with him when he came to Japan.
A song lyric that has inspired you?
It’s the Japanese song, 'Ue Wo Muite Arukou' (directly translated as 'Walk With Your Head Held High'). It’s known as 'Sukiyaki' outside of Japan. The song reminds us to do what we can to keep our chins up and stay positive, even if we feel down and lonely. The title, 'Sukiyaki', was the idea of a UK jazz trumpeter. Apparently, this trumpet player suggested it to a friend who was a vocalist.
Best song to turn up loud?
I’m no singer. I can’t stand listening to my own voice. The quality is so bad (lol).
A song people wouldn’t expect you to like?
'Bicycle Race' by Queen. I must admit, I do sing this sometimes (lol).
New music you are listening to now?
Los Bitchos. They breathe new life into an old sound. They are an all-female instrumental party band.
03Interview
Name, where are you from?
Masahiko Kitahara (Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra), Tokyo.
What do you do?
Trombone player.
What’s the best gig you’ve ever been to?
In March 2017, Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra shared the bill with The Specials at three Zepp venues in Tokyo, Nagoya, and Osaka. Before those gigs where we opened for them, we met their guitarist Lynval Golding. He came to see one of our shows in Los Angeles and sat in on a song. So when we played on the same bill at those Zepp events, The Specials joined us, and we really tore it up. Those guys are two-tone legends, and it’s so cool that these originators are still active on the scene. Then to see them live just blew me away.
Which subcultures have influenced you?
When I first joined the Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra in 1988, the other guys in the band introduced me to punk and two-tone groups such as The Specials. That was the kicker for me to start listening to that kind of music. It was the spirit of that music, the punk way of life, that made me feel alive. In our band, that spirit is something we’ve maintained from the very beginning. It’s a feeling of single-mindedness and powerful energy… you can feel that spirit in our baritone sax player Atsushi Yanaka’s support lines. That was a big shock to my system, and once I discovered the spirit of UK punk, it's been my driving force ever since. The single-mindedness and powerful punk energy has been my biggest influence.
Of all the venues you’ve played, which is your favourite?
That has to be the first time I played at Glastonbury Festival. It was back in 2003. To get to the stage—well, it was more of a tent—we got off the bus and had to walk around 30–40 minutes. And then our backstage area was in the back of a truck. Those memories have stayed with me. It was a really tight squeeze on the stage, but we were all so new to the UK environment and the crowd was bouncing—they seemed to dig us. During the walk, we passed one of the bigger stages where The Skatalites were playing. I remember having the conversation that I hope one day, we can be up on that larger stage.
If you could be on the line up with any bands in history?
I wasn’t really aware of the punk scene during my early years, so I’m going to say The Clash. I’d love to get in the mix and play the trombone with one of the original punk bands. Even as old as I am now, I’d love to experience the London clubs of that time, breathe it all in, feel the raw passion. I’m really interested to know how I’d fit in, what I could do and feel.
If you could spend an hour with anyone from history?
I’d love to do a duo session with Amy Winehouse. At a festival, out in the open under a blue sky where I could listen to her voice up close. A more intimate indoor show with a crackling atmosphere could work, too. However, being out under the blue sky would be my ideal way to do it.
Your greatest unsung hero or heroine in music?
Without a doubt, Rico Rodriguez. Even from the perspective that we play the same instrument, his sense of timing and space is so good, and I’d love everyone to listen to more of his music. His playing is kind of heartwarming, kind of soothing. It just makes you feel warm. Whether you know a lot of trombone music or are completely new to the instrument, anybody can sense it. His tone and phrasing resonate with you.
04Playlist Notes
The first track you played on repeat?
'Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da' by The Beatles. I was in my third year at secondary school and we played it in my brass band. I remember it so clearly.
A song that defines the teenage you?
The Scottish folk song 'Blue Bells of Scotland'. There is an arrangement for piano and trombone that I’m still practising.
One record you would keep forever?
This has to be a Rico Rodriguez album. I’m going to choose 'Man from Wareika'. I have such good memories of recording with him when he came to Japan.
A song lyric that has inspired you?
It’s the Japanese song, 'Ue Wo Muite Arukou' (directly translated as 'Walk With Your Head Held High'). It’s known as 'Sukiyaki' outside of Japan. The song reminds us to do what we can to keep our chins up and stay positive, even if we feel down and lonely. The title, 'Sukiyaki', was the idea of a UK jazz trumpeter. Apparently, this trumpet player suggested it to a friend who was a vocalist.
Best song to turn up loud?
I’m no singer. I can’t stand listening to my own voice. The quality is so bad (lol).
A song people wouldn’t expect you to like?
'Bicycle Race' by Queen. I must admit, I do sing this sometimes (lol).
New music you are listening to now?
Los Bitchos. They breathe new life into an old sound. They are an all-female instrumental party band.