Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra, or “Suka Para” as they are usually referred to, were formed as party band in the late 80’s, by a group of young musicians. After over one thousand live shows, and numerous ups and downs, the band continues strong, and today enjoys a substantial international following. The band’s first record was an indie 12 inch single released in 1989, followed in 1990 by their debut album on Sony
Sukapara Tojo. The album included a number of covers, both Japanese and foreign, including the evergreen “Hit the Road Jack”. Over the history of the band, their ska-d up covers have been amongst their most popular numbers, including “Sesame Street”, “The Look of Love”, “Summertime” and Duke Ellington’s “Caravan” transformed into “Skaravan” This line-up of the band had twelve members, and was fronted by the flamboyant, bald and boa-ed, “Cleanhead” Gimura. The other members wear matching suits, and mischievous grins. Their shows feature plenty of running around and gags, as well as bits of choreography and inspired musical madness. Their reputation as an entertaining and energetic live band spread, to the degree that by 1991 they were able to play the prestigious Budokan theatre. However things were not always completely cheery. While they remained a popular live act, their record company was not able to sell as many records as their popularity suggested they should. As time went on, the band suffered a number of internal ...
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Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra, or “Suka Para” as they are usually referred to, were formed as party band in the late 80’s, by a group of young musicians. After over one thousand live shows, and numerous ups and downs, the band continues strong, and today enjoys a substantial international following. The band’s first record was an indie 12 inch single released in 1989, followed in 1990 by their debut album on Sony
Sukapara Tojo. The album included a number of covers, both Japanese and foreign, including the evergreen “Hit the Road Jack”. Over the history of the band, their ska-d up covers have been amongst their most popular numbers, including “Sesame Street”, “The Look of Love”, “Summertime” and Duke Ellington’s “Caravan” transformed into “Skaravan” This line-up of the band had twelve members, and was fronted by the flamboyant, bald and boa-ed, “Cleanhead” Gimura. The other members wear matching suits, and mischievous grins. Their shows feature plenty of running around and gags, as well as bits of choreography and inspired musical madness. Their reputation as an entertaining and energetic live band spread, to the degree that by 1991 they were able to play the prestigious Budokan theatre. However things were not always completely cheery. While they remained a popular live act, their record company was not able to sell as many records as their popularity suggested they should. As time went on, the band suffered a number of internal hardships, including the death of two members, one of them vocalist “Cleanhead Gimura”. Also in 1993, Asa-Chang, who was considered the bandmaster, left the band. However the band managed to endure and with various member changes carried on, still maintaining a substantial fan base. In 1998 they moved to the Avex label, who seem to be a bit more successful turning their legions of fans into CD buyers. In 2000 they licensed their
Full-Tension Beaters to Europe and undertook and extensive tour of European countries. Subsequently they have also toured the US with the Skatalites, played SOB’s in NYC, and performed at America’s biggest music festival, Bonnaroo.
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