KAGERO

Artist Information

Biography

What’s that sound? It’s fun, catchy upbeat music, something akin to John Lennon-meets-Manu Chao in a global gypsy village. It’s Kagero: the multicultural, self-proclaimed “Japanese Gypsy Rock” band whose rousing, feel-good drinking and dancing tunes provide the ultimate antidote for the recession blues.

Brooklyn based Kagero, (pronounced kaw'ge-rô) embodies the city’s Bohemian heartbeat and melting pot soul in both its music and band members. Their sound is often described as a combination of tonalities and rhythms from Asia, the Middle East, South America and Eastern Europe, all while incorporating an indie rock undertone. The artists themselves are a culturally diverse hodgepodge with front man Kaz Fujimoto coming to the U.S. by way of Japan and the UK.

Just like the beautiful mishmash of cultures in New York City, Kagero’s international rock sound comes together in a cohesive meld that works and works well. “Kagero is a true original in a sea of mediocrity…” says Lee Sobel of Lo-Fi Entertainment, and if you are looking for new ear candy to invigorate your bored musical taste buds, Kagero’s Japanese Gypsy Rock album is sure to satisfy your craving.

Kagero's home base is the famed Bulgarian bar Mehanata, known for bringing Gypsy Rock and Gogol Bordello to international fame. Check the Calendar page for dates.

Visit Kagero on the web: www.kagero.com
The Album Japanese Gypsy Rock available on iTunes, CDBaby, Amazon and on the band's website.

The new album is currently being recorded, hoping for a fall release, 2012.

For all booking inquires, please contact:
Robert Simpson, Manager
E: info@kagero.com
C: 917-482-6495

2011 Highlights
- Publishing a monthly podcast
- John F. Kennedy Center, Washington DC (April 4)
- Musikfest, Bethleham PA (2 sets on Aug 13)

2010 Noteable Shows
- Finalist in WNYC Battle of the Boroughs, Brooklyn
- Musikfest, Bethlehem PA
- Zlatne Uste Golden Festival, NYC
- BAM Sounds Like Brooklyn, NYC
- FetzerFest, PA
- Toured Northeast with Bern and the Brights in April

2009 Highlights
- Over 120 shows, from Memphis to Rhode Island and all points in between.
- Released first full length album "Japanese Gypsy Rock"
Noteable Gigs:
- Cherry Blossom Fest at BBG
- Folk Alliance in Memphis
- Opened for Spring Standards in West Virgina
- Block Island Music Festival
- CMJ NYC
- Wave Festival, Asbury Park

Instrumentation

Kaz Fujimoto - Vocals, Guitar, Kazoo, Harmonica
J.W. - mandolin, Fiddle, Musical Saw
Rob Simpson - Vocals, Bass

Discography

Japanese Gypsy Rock (2009 - Full Length)
Red and Black (2007 - EP)
Kagero (2005 - EP)

Official Website

http://www.kagero.com

Links

• Facebook
• MySpace
• Twitter

Audio

• Rockstar In A Grocery Store
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• Angel Baby
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• Life's A Thrill
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• Greencard Bride
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Lyrics

• Rockstar in a Grocery Store

Video

Kagero Promo Video

Photo Gallery

Press

• Mohawks and Accordions: Top 10 Gypsy Punk Bands [+ Show ]
  

  Kagero fuses Japanese gypsy rock? Yes, you read right (Kagero actually means “mirage” or “heat haze”...Kagero fuses Japanese gypsy rock? Yes, you read right (Kagero actually means “mirage” or “heat haze” in Japanese). Clearing through the haze, Japan-born frontman Kaz Fujimoto states in an interview, “Cultural confusion is our specialty.” Living a nomadic life, Kaz migrated to London, Paris, Dublin and finally arrived to New York City to create Kagero. The quartet debuted none other than Japanese Gypsy Rock in 2009 which offers jaw-dropping instrumentation and an upbeat melting pot of violin-driven, “urban-gypsyphonic” melodies, and harmonica-blowing tonalities from Eastern Europe, South America to Asia. You’ll know what we mean when you listen to “My Little Bonita.”

• Gig Alert: Kagero [+ Show ]
  

  If you had any doubt that we live in a deeply globalized world, pop Kagero into the CD player. The g...If you had any doubt that we live in a deeply globalized world, pop Kagero into the CD player. The group, led by the Japanese, Brooklyn-based artist Kaz Fujimoto, bills itself as “Japanese Gypsy Rock,” and it’s a fairly apt description. This track, “2 + 1 is Almost 5,” has that distinctly bawdy Balkan party sound pioneered by Golgol Bordello, and is sung in accented English. The band throws in some Spanish catch phrases for good measure. This may seem like a hodgepodge of ingredients, but Kagero isn’t aiming to be coherant. As Fujimoto says, "cultural confusion is our specialty."

• Album Review, “Kagero creates romantic”, [+ Show ]
  

  Kagero sounds good. That's no exaggeration. They play a style of music that one may not expect. Thei...Kagero sounds good. That's no exaggeration. They play a style of music that one may not expect. Their debut album, Japanese Gypsy Rock, also an apt description for them highlights the band's diverse influences. They create a concoction of pretty music. Music you can slow dance to. Music you can kiss to. Music you can fall in love with. Romantic music. This romantic tone is apparent in the first song "My Little Bonita." The words radiate closely to your heart. The acoustic and violin is sweet. The vocals are lovely and crisp. The song is definitely bonita (beautiful). If you like flamenco and Gogol Bordello, then this band is for you! Every song is a gem.

• Kagero: Japanese Gypsy Rock [Album Review] [+ Show ]
  

  Kagero front-man and founder Kaz Fujimoto would have you believe he has explored every inch of this ...Kagero front-man and founder Kaz Fujimoto would have you believe he has explored every inch of this earth. Whether this is true or not, it is the sounds of Japanese Gypsy Rock that will make you a believer. This Japanese wordsmith and harp aficionado pulls off some of the best indie world music you’ll ever get. His lyrics border the general frustrations of any 90’s alternative band; but they do so with violins, musical saws, a saxophone, fiddles, etc.
  The best feature of world music is when you find yourself forgetting about origin, and instead feel the need to explore through the beauty in song – it’s a concept Kagero has mastered.
  
  It might seem necessary to go into all the worldly influences (Italian, Arab, Spanish, etc.) that make up Kagero’s sound, but when a group uses such an array of different ethnic formats it’s best to just call their style their own. No comparisons are necessary. The stand out track “Mermaid From Istanbul” sounds close to (but not overly similar to) the eccentric and new folk scene happening in New York City these days. It brings forth the middle-eastern appreciation yet pulls out the Juilliard-friendly instrumentals that any opera enthusiast could appreciate.
  
  Kagero (Japanese for “Heat Haze”) is so entirely ethnically entertaining, Jack and Meg White should very well be jealous of their originality. Their Eastern Europe masquerade is more than impressive. It is inspiring. Kaz and company have given us a strange and eccentric gift that many of us didn’t even know we’d been missing. Therefore, Japanese Gypsy Rock may very well be one of the finest releases of the the year.
  
  http://www.fensepost.com/main/2009/12/16/kagero-japanese-gypsy-rock-album-review/

• The Deli – NY Scene Blog - 11/18/2009 [+ Show ]
  

  Bed-Stuy-based Kagero’s newest record “Japanese Gypsy Rock,” due out November 19, 2009, is appropria...Bed-Stuy-based Kagero’s newest record “Japanese Gypsy Rock,” due out November 19, 2009, is appropriately titled for the band’s striking fusion of sounds from around the world. Taking lead on violin, J.W. masters Eastern-inspired fiddle glissandos and double-stops, while bassist/vocalist Rob Simpson adds a salsa swing and klezmer kick. Kaz Fujimoto, defines “Japanese Gypsy Rock:” hailing from Japan, entertaining in a lounge-meets-Bohemian vocal style, and accessorizing each track with flamenco guitar and select Spanish phrases on standout tracks “My Little Bonita,” “1 + 2 Is Almost 5,” “Red and Black,” and “Grappa. Guest musicians, Georgie Markov (drums), Yoed (cello), Wynn Yamami (chindon, aka Japanese drum), and Emilio (trumpet) ably enhance “JGR” in these notable selections. Rooted in uplifting elements from eclectic origins, "Japanese Gypsy Rock" unites Kagero’s musical influences and talents into a cross-culture dance party.

• MUSICAL MOUTHFUL [+ Show ]
  

  Describing Kagero isn't easy. The band name is Japanese for "heat haze," but musically it's a colle...Describing Kagero isn't easy. The band name is Japanese for "heat haze," but musically it's a collection of wild contrasts. Its style is a mishmash of everything from early rock riffs to eastern European folk music. It's high energy, often frantic music that sometimes sounds a little like "Fiddler on the Roof" starring "Panic at the Disco."
  

Setlist

ORIGINALS
My Little Bonita
Singapore High
Maliciously In Love
Shanghai Calls Me
Mermaid From Istanbul
Red & Black
Gabriela
Angel Baby
Tipsy Gypsy
Mother
Perfect Day To Laugh
Promenade
2 + 1
My Daddy Is a Thief
Rocking Horse
Grappa
Lonely Rose Vendor

COVERS
Mariposa Tricionera
Una Notte A Napoli
Sunny Afternoon
Chita Drita
Zoltoe Koltzo
Gulyanka

Basic Requirements

Calendar