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FLAT 122

Jazz Rock/Fusion • Japan


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Flat 122 biography
A trio with occasional vocals, the roots of Japan's FLAT 122 began when keyboard virtuoso Takao KAWASAKI started partnering with other musicians while in Tokyo around 2002. Eventually he hooked-up with drummer Kiyotaka TANABE and guitarist Satoshi HIRATA and in 2005, they released 'The Waves' on Musea [and on Poseidon in Japan], a tour de force of progressive fusion. Vocalist Akane KOBINATA joins them for three of the eleven tracks on the 2005 CD.

A second album, 'Kagerou', was released in 2009 [also on Musea] featuring the same line-up but a somewhat expanded guest list on voices and accordion. Keyboardist KAWASAKI is also a member of Japanese prog group KTG.

FLAT 122 is a pristine example of the bold experimentation going on in the Japanese fusion & prog scenes, and represents one of the technically finest modern ensembles to emerge from that country.

- Atavachron (David) -

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FLAT 122 discography


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FLAT 122 top albums (CD, LP, MC, SACD, DVD-A, Digital Media Download)

3.39 | 14 ratings
The Waves
2005
3.64 | 11 ratings
Kagerou
2009
5.00 | 1 ratings
In Spirit
2020

FLAT 122 Live Albums (CD, LP, MC, SACD, DVD-A, Digital Media Download)

FLAT 122 Videos (DVD, Blu-ray, VHS etc)

FLAT 122 Boxset & Compilations (CD, LP, MC, SACD, DVD-A, Digital Media Download)

FLAT 122 Official Singles, EPs, Fan Club & Promo (CD, EP/LP, MC, Digital Media Download)

FLAT 122 Reviews


Showing last 10 reviews only
 The Waves by FLAT 122 album cover Studio Album, 2005
3.39 | 14 ratings

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The Waves
Flat 122 Jazz Rock/Fusion

Review by Mellotron Storm
Prog Reviewer

3 stars FLAT 122 were a trio out of japan with a drum, guitar, keyboard setup. All are incredible musicians, especially the keyboardist. Some guest vocals as well on three songs. And those three tracks are by far the shortest ones on here, like little interludes of under or over a minute. A lot of people consider this avant music but it is jazz based for sure. This is their debut from 2005, and they would release a second studio album in 2009 before calling it a day, but then making a comeback. This album clocks in at around 63 minutes over eleven tracks.

I have had trouble connecting with this album from the start. And that continues. The exception is that incredible title track at almost 16 minutes. Almost half the album, and while it has it's weak points too, this song elevates the album for me. A lot of the music is so impressive but it leaves me cold for the most part. I do miss the bass. A challenging 3 star record in my world.

 The Waves by FLAT 122 album cover Studio Album, 2005
3.39 | 14 ratings

BUY
The Waves
Flat 122 Jazz Rock/Fusion

Review by snobb
Special Collaborator Honorary Collaborator

3 stars Debut album of Japanese (power) fusion (?) trio. Strongly influenced by neo-classical music (especially keyboards).

I like this album as quite rare example of modern Japanese prog or related music, which is different from mellow smooth fusion from one side and brutal noisy hardcore avant from the other. Guitar line is still quite Japanese school - fast sharp and quite brutally emotionless. Keyboards/electric piano sound is different - with European neo-classic influence.

In fact, this album's music is not pure jazz fusion, but fusion in wide sense - jazz fusion based progressive mix with neo-classic and avnt-garde elements. On some (best) compositions musicians play great fast, technically complex guitar-led fusion. Other (not so good) compositions are just more chamber music. As a result album is quite eclectic and a bit bulky.

Still interesting work with few great compositions, but in all only average release.

 The Waves by FLAT 122 album cover Studio Album, 2005
3.39 | 14 ratings

BUY
The Waves
Flat 122 Jazz Rock/Fusion

Review by Atavachron
Special Collaborator Honorary Collaborator

4 stars Still somewhat obscure Flat 122 is a Japanese trio doing wonderful things with progressive fusion, and their debut from 2005 is as good an album as any I've heard from the Land of the Rising Sun's underground music scene. Master pianist Takao Kawasaki leads Kiyotaka Tanabe [drums] and Satoshi Hirata [guitar] through a virtuosic fantasy of ever-changing rhythms, improvisations, textures and moods revealing the unmistakable brilliance of three players who know exactly what they're doing, whether it's with eastern fire or western jazz.

The fifteen-minute title is a delicious first course, full of explosive stuff centered around Takao Kawasaki's inspired piano lines. This is, in essence, jazz, and Flat 122 are true students of the form. Three players who are so good it is undeniable as they take apart and rebuild almost every genre of instrumental music known to man (and they had the sense to still make it musical instead of giving us some tiresome exhibition). 'Neo Classic Dance' is just as full of energy if more playful, recalling the animated work of American avant-garders Cartoon with all their Raymond Scott-isms, and very prog 'The Summer' is quirky and compelling. More choice stuff in crystalline 'Panorama', 'Dizziness' lives up to its name, 'Winter Song' is soft and western in tone. And as if that weren't enough, 14-minute 'Spiral' takes us out in style with another display of inspiration.

Meticulous and quietly brilliant, Flat 122 are a force of unknowable proportions, and The Waves should be owned by those who appreciate musical mastery in all its forms. Recommended to fans of anyone from fellow countrymen Le Silo to nu-jazz mainstays as The Bad +.

Thanks to atavachron for the artist addition.

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