| Krush's groove
DJ Krush is getting back to his roots. While some hip-hop artists retrace their roots through American rhythm and blues or African beats, Krush finds his history with instruments like the shakuhachi and the koto. The 41-year old Japanese DJ will be promoting his latest disc ”Jaku” when he hits Axis tonight, combining turntable skills with a flowing set of funky breakbeats all amidst a mist of traditional Japanese music. “Sometimes learning about your culture’s traditional arts is a bit embarrassing,” says Krush, whose real name is Hideaki Ishi. “But I am older now and wanted to look into this. I thought these instruments sound amazing, these philosophies are pertinent for the present day.” He says he knows this combination of drastically different styles is daring, but he thinks it’s easy enough to grab people from both cultures. “If it brings more Japanese to hip-hop or brings more hip-hop fans to be interested in Japanese culture as a result, that would make me very happy,” he says. Krush is old school. Discovering hip-hop in his early twenties, he began to make a name for himself as a DJ in Tokyo’s Western pop-influenced Harajuku neighborhood. Since then he’s found his niche in collaborations with live instrumentalists. He says although there won’t be any live instrumentalists onstage with him at Axis, the groove will be as intense as “Jaku” is to listen to. “I like to transform the room into the atmosphere of Krush. I like to share a time, a place, a space with the audience. “ Opening the evening are likeminded instrumental electronica acts Tym Ryan with his brand of psychedelic lounge music and the relatively reclusive Matters & Dunaway in a rare live show. Get your tickets today at Knowname Records on Huntington Ave., or call (617) 236-0006. If there are tickets left at show time, they will be sold at the door. Get there early though, because the last time Krush played in town, at the Middle East downstairs, it sold out.
Pat Healy Back |
 DJ Krush tonight at Axis (13 Lansdowne Street) |