First of eight titles in a new 'Comic Band' series, all with paper jackets of the original LP sleeve. Crazy Cats were a comic jazz band, who evoked the spirit of Japanese postwar humour and energy. They began as an Afro-Cuban band, playing at American army bases and after being told on numerous occasions they were 'crazy', decided to change their name. They were led by Hitoshi Ueki (1927-2007) who became one of Japan's greatest ever comedians, starring in numerous hit films. The Crazy Cats were both comedians and accomplished musicians. Ueki played the guitar and was the lead singer. Hajime Hana played drums, Kei Tani was on trombone, Hiroshi Inuzuka played bass, Shin Yasuda was on tenor sax, while Senri Sakurai and Eitaro Ishibashi both played piano. 21 tracks including a bonus track and tape version.
Solo album from the leader of The Crazy Cats. Paper Jacket of original LP cover. 13 tracks. Price: £21.99
Another solo album from the great Hitoshi Ueki, a Showa Era pop icon. 13 tracks.
The Crazt Cats were loosly based on Spike Jones and His City Slickers, mixing slap-stick with jazz. They were featured in a daily TV programme at noon in 1959, which made them national icons. 20 tracks including 10 bonus tracks (karaoke versions). Price: £21.99
Paper Jacket reissue of original LP cover. 14 tracks from one of Japan's all-time best comedy bands.
The Drifters were another of Japan's greatest ever comedy groups. Between 1969 and 1985, their variety show Hachijidayo, Zen'inshugo! was the highest rated television programme, its slapstick humour appealing to everyone, especially the young. Some say, they were the Japanese version of Monty Python. They opened for the Beatles at Budokan in 1966. The group's leader was Chosuke Ikariya (1931-2004) and from 1974 included the brilliant Ken Shimura. This CD, with a paper jacket of the original LP cover, has 10 tracks including bonus tracks. Price: £21.99
Like many musicians in occupied Japan, the leader of the Drifters Chosuke Ikariya, got his start playing at G.I. bases. His assumed the leadership of the five piece Drifters after joining the group in 1962. 12 tracks.
12 tracks of 'gunka' songs, patriotic songs popular during the war. Price: £21.99
