Kumio Kurachi Trio

Fukuoka native Kumio Kurachi is one of the most endearing oddballs on the Japanese underground. When he's not dabbling in visual art, he practices a deeply weird brand of minstrelsy, pairing surreal lyrics and theatrical vocal mannerisms with unorthodox guitar tunings that were inspired by the koto. Though it's arresting enough when performed solo, Kurachi's music takes on a whole new character in this occasional trio, featuring sympathetic support from saxophonist Naruyoshi Kikuchi and drummer Akira Sotoyama.