Dear Shonen Knife Fans! I went to the "live" of Mana's other band, "TEEM" an Shinjyuku on September 23. When I arrived, the first band called "KIRIHITO" was performing already. I found immediately that Mana was in the "persons-concerned" (VIP) seats near an entrance door.
Five bands appeared on that day. She told me that "TEEM" performs at the end. I was concerned - if the end of the show was late, it would be impossible for me to have gone home, because of transportation schedules!
I asked Mana, "Does the show finish at 23:00?" She replied, "It's OK! It finishes at 22:00!" I was able to see the live show easily!
During Mana's performance in "TEEM" she was playing with severe intensity in her face! "TEEM" is a "noise" band. I did not understand their music well, but it could be seen that her performance with them was different than with Shonen Knife - but she was very good! I was not able to get their CD at the Live House show, so I plan to buy one at the next live show. I asked her about their future live schedule. It is cool that she also performs with "Rashinban" - a band that is old friends with Shonen Knife, and the new "Rashinban" CD is released October 3, 2002, and that band will perform Live in Tokyo and Osaka in November.
Interestingly, Rashinban's new bassist is Mr. Atsushi Shibata! (Long-time Shonen Knife Manager & a fine musician in his own right). At the Shonen Knife Live Show on September 24, I asked him about his performing with Rashinban, "I heard Mana play last night - did you become a member of Rashinban?" He said, "Yes! It is a busy time as I memorize the old repertory! There is a Live of 7 days, soon next month!"
Mana also told me, "I'd like to play 'Elephant Pao-Pao" from the old Shonen Knife repertory!" We have performed "Tortoise Brand Pot Cleaners Theme" in rehearsal, and we have a fun arrangement of the 3 members for dancing on stage to "Chinese Disco"! I sent email to Mana in the night after the "TEEM" Live Show to her cellular phone! "Your band was the most COOL!"
I have also enjoyed many good conversations with Mana-san about our shared appreciation for the baseball!! Please read these updates on the "Sports" section here at my Home Page!
Here is the schedule for the next live shows where you can see Mana Nishiura performing as professional support drummer for other bands:
October 14 to 20: "Rashinban" (7 days) - at Osaka Namba Bears
October 20: "Rashinban" with "Jesus Fever" - at Osaka Namba Bears
October 27: "Slower Traffic 5", with "Jesus Fever" - at Kyoto Takutaku
November 23: "Rashinban" - at Tokyo Shibuya Quattro
November 29: "Rashinban" - at Osaka Shinsaibashi Quattro
January 11, 2003: "Slower Traffic 5", with "Jesus Fever" - (venue not detailed yet)
January 25, 2003: "Rashinban" - at Osaka Umeda Hardrain.
Hello, Shonen Knife Fans! I sent a summer greeting email to Mana (Shonen Knife support drummer) a few days ago, and a reply came from her yesterday. She is busy!: "I performed in the improvised band as a solo today at "Indoyoo" (the Indian Ocean) in Yamaguchi. Impro (improvisational playing) is very pleasant, but my brain becomes that it is likely to melt! I go to South Korea from tomorrow with the Improv tour. I'm looking forward to what South Korean impro-musicians and audience will think!"
I faxed to her tonight: "Welcome back from South Korea! Thank you very much for your reply - it was my birthday, I was glad! I have a few questions for you: I want to know your favorite musician, favorite drummer and which CD you are playing! At the time of the meeting in September, is good for an answer."
Perhaps we can enjoy learning Mana's favorites!
Mana appeared with Shonen Knife at the great Fuji Rock Festival on July 27th! I hope we will be able to see photos of their performance there!
Kappa EXpress Report by:
PLKC Mamiko Nakagawa
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