Interview
(Progressive Newsletter Nr.33 12/00)
excerpts from an interview with Keiko Kumagai (Keyboards)
First, Kyoko Kanazawa - the former bass player - and Yumiko Saitho - the former drummer - met at the University. After that, Keiko Tsubata - the former keyboard player - joined Kyoko and Yumiko. Then Ars Nova was formed. At that time, they played ELP, King Crimson, Yes and Genesis covers and some original songs for some years. They had a lot of gigs in Tokyo. After a while Keiko Tsubata left the band because of her marriage. Kyoko and Yumiko had been looking for a new keyboard player instead of Keiko. They advertised in the music magazine for a keyboard player. I read it by chance and I got in touch with Kyoko. Since them I have been member of the band.
What is the chemestry like within the band? Did everyone pretty much share the same vision?
Almost all visions and concepts are only mine. Because I compose all the songs. The current drummer Akiko Takahashi and keyboard player Mika Nakajima understand my vision, concept and idea. Concerning each of our album, they have different visions and concepts. I decided as the theme of my interest, that it's for the first CD "Fear and Anxiety", the second "Death and Life", the third "Mythology of Darkside" and the fourth is "Egyptian Civilization".
"Fear and Anxiety" and "Transi" are true classic albums of japanese progressive music. Could you tell us more about these productions?
When I had started the first album, I did not know how to compose the songs. I have had no musical college education, however, since I was in my childhood my parents have always listened to classical music on tv, radio and records every day in my house. So I have heard enough of classical music. On the way of first CDs composition, I was influenced in my composition by classical music.
I can see the influence of some italian legends such as Il Balleto di Bronzo and Goblin on these albums. Do you agree?
Yes, I was influenced from some italian prog bands. Especially, Banco, Il Balletto di Bronzo and Goblin and I still like them now.
The last production "The Book of the Dead" shows in my opinion an important development in the music of Ars Nova. The album puts a more emphasis in dynamic song structures. A delicate mix between porwerful and sensitive music.
Before production of “The Book of the Dead”, I have listened many Egyptian folk music and I used many Middle Eastern sound on each songs.
What do you think of a eventual voice incorporation?
As you know, our songs are all instrumental. Because we are consious of the world. Reasonably japanese language won’t be accepted worldwide. English is spoken all over the world, however, we, japanese almost cannot pronunce it well. However, on our next album, Mika hum in some songs and she will sing very short part in english. Recently I needed a female voice in our songs as a effect.
Do you still take a look at the current progressive rock scene and if yes, what do you think about today's bands?
Personally, I think there are very little bands of today’s progressive rock to enjoy myself. I think many progressive bands are alike famous bands, sucha as Genesis, Camel, Yes, King Crimson and ELP. In the world, the golden age of progressive rock is a past event. From now on, progressive rock must have a distinct difference between 70’s - 90’s prog scene and new millenium prog, I think. We have to make progress and liven up with many bands and fans in the world. In the world, there are many progressive rock festival and event, however, there is something lacking in the spirit of progressive rock scene. I don´t think progressive rock has been resurgent perfectly until now.
Juan Barrenechea Herrera © Progressive Newsletter 2000