vinylDJ Eiji Takehana : Initiated his career in the CLUB scene at Nishi-Azabu P.Picasso. Subsequently, after engaging in DJ activities at venues like 328 and CAVE, he co-produced the South Aoyama BLUE with U.F.O. He made his music debut as Jazzbrothers on the compilation "Multidirection," supervised by United Future Organization (U.F.O.). He has also handled remixes for artists such as Peter Nice Trio (HOSPITAL), Florinda Bolkan (IRMA), U.F.O., Pizzicato Five, Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra, Kiyoshiro Imawano, and Mariko Ide. From 1998 to 2001, he curated and performed live DJ sets for Yohji Yamamoto's Paris Collection. Some of his compilation selections include "Ultimate Garage And Breaks - Universal Step" (Universal) and "Flying Dutchman Funk Jazz Classics" (BMG Victor). In 2006, he globally released a 12-inch single under the name JBP from the prestigious Soul Jazz Records in the UK. In December 2009, he released the analog album "TAKEHANA & GOLDEN LOTUS REMIX AND REWORK" from Tequila Production, followed by "DeepTrackJazz" in 2010 under the name Eiji Takehana. In March 2011, he produced the Tequila Production compilation CD "Rockin' Jazz." In April 2013, he contributed "Movement 5/8 ver.-Eiji Takehana Rework" to the analog cut 12-inch + CD of PRIMO & THE GROUPE's "Movement." In December 2015, he presented "Jazz Carnival - Jazzbrothers Remix" on the analog cut 12-inch + CD of PRIMO & THE GROUPE's "Can I Change?" In October 2017, under the name vinylDJ Eiji Takehana, he released the 7-inch "Sustainability" from FJR. In February 2018, "Sustainbility TAKEHANA 128 rework" was featured on "Sustainability Remixes." In 2023, he released "Jumpin' Jazz / New Age Step" on analog format.
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Hironobu Jyounai : Since 2005, he has been shaping the scene with the monthly party “PRIMO” at its core. Under his own project, PRIMO & THE GROUPE, he has released five analog records. He has been featured in numerous compilations from reputable labels, including “MUSIC FOR JAZZDANCERS” (FREESTYLE-UK) and “CONTEMPORARY JAZZ” (TRAMP-GER). He has received high praise both domestically and internationally. In 2017, he contributed to the introductory book on European jazz and its related music, titled “JAZZ MEETS EUROPE: European Jazz Disc Guide.” In 2018, he provided a remix for the track “Eiji Takehana-Sustainability (Hironobu Jyounai Remix).” In addition to overseeing reissue series, he is actively engaged in various projects, such as headphone customization at stickheadphone.com. Check out his work at dj-jyounai.net.
Vinyl :
PRIMO & THE GROUPE – Can I Change? 12" (2015)
PRIMO & THE GROUPE – Movement 12" (2013)
PRIMO & THE GROUPE – Sun 12" (2011)
PRIMO & THE GROUPE – March of The Goober Woobers 7" (2010)
PRIMO & THE GROUPE – A Child Runs Free 7"(2009)
Remix :
Eiji Takehana - Sustainability Hironobu Jyounai Remix (2018)
Mix :
JetSet Records Novelty Mix (2010)
Compilation :
Music for Jazz Dancers - Freestyle Records (2010)
Contemporaly Jazz - Tramp Records (2010)
The Hurst Selection - SoulandJazz.com Record (2016)
Books :
Jazz Meets Europe (2016)
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Jazz party “PRIMO” was launched by Jyonai in 2005. The event itself currently is held at small venue “Organ Bar” in Shibuya Udagawa on the 4th Saturday of each month. Jazz sets are frequently invited to perform live, with dancer units and VJs on site. In this space DJs can enjoy the groove of jazz and soul and live performances based on respect for jazz. Jyonai adds, “We will make a space where we can enjoy music in a relaxing manner. With this as its motto, it has grown as a jazz event with the highest quality in Japan. To this day it’s a place where DJs carefully select records and receive feedback to make it function as a dance floor. DJs make the floor come alive by adding a new twist to well-known music as well as with newly discovered tunes. This is a delightful moment for DJs as well as the crowd. On the other hand, music over drinks at the counter is also great. This is not contradictory. This is good DJing, a space created by a good DJ. Such a place exists beyond the heavy iron door on the 3rd floor of a multi-tenant building in Shibuya. To get there you should definitely go up the stairs with light steps!