UlasanAnime.com – JAM PROJECT is set to grace the United States with their presence.
While 90s arena rock might not be everyone’s cup of tea, the raw passion in their music is undeniably captivating. Although I own a few of their CDs, they rarely make it to my regular listening rotation due to their intense nature.
Otakon consistently aims to bring a diverse range of performers each year, likely valuing the variety within the “visual culture” sphere that the convention represents. JAM Project, in my opinion, truly embodies the spirit of a specific, often overlooked, subculture within this visual landscape. It’s hard to think of another band that merges “anime” and “music” more perfectly. It’s somewhat ironic, though understandable, that conventions often invite mainstream pop-rock artists and j-rockers who are primarily performers with few other agendas. JAM Project, conversely, feels more driven by a distinct purpose, even if at their core, they are also performers.
Historically, JAM Project is a “supergroup” comprised of various members. Their lineup can be a bit confusing for some to grasp. Ichiro Mizuki, the original leader, has somewhat retired, now holding a part-time member status after a period of reduced group activity. Notably, JAM Project also features Ricardo Cruz, an international artist known for his work in Brazil. The other current members are skilled at performing anime-style rock music. This creates a dynamic mix of seasoned veterans, younger talent, and an international associate, all of whom perform with incredible energy.
Ultimately, JAM Project stays true to its name, focusing on songs from Japanese Animation. Their recognition is closely tied to the shows they perform for. The careers of JAM Project’s members are a perfect fusion of anime music and, interestingly, tokusatsu. What does it mean for a musician when their output is only half of an interactive relationship? It’s perhaps not surprising that their primary mode of expression is high-energy arena rock. This is both the source of their powerful performances and the reason for their dedicated, niche audience. They defy easy categorization, existing as a unique entity.
From a personal standpoint, JAM Project’s international perspective is particularly intriguing. For overseas fans, their perception will likely depend on their exposure to older anime or if they are fans of artists like Masami Okui. This world tour aligns well with the anime industry’s recent efforts to promote and explore its cultural appeal globally. The question remains whether American audiences will be receptive. Only time will tell.
In the meantime, it’s time to prepare:
1. SKILL karaoke. Having experienced it a couple of times, I can attest to its sheer awesomeness and would gladly do it again. To make this happen, I’ll need to enlist some friends to sing along with me. If you’re interested, please post a comment or email me (by clicking my name at the bottom of this post).
2. Get in shape. I plan on jumping around quite a bit. If KOTOKO were to hold a concert at the 1st Mariner Arena, that would serve as excellent practice.
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