Album Notes

Artist description Kai plays atmospheric jazz-fusion on the Warr guitar. Having both the range of a guitar and bass, the instrument allows Kai to perform in solo and duet situations in which the Warr guitar acts as the lead, bass, and accompaniment. The instrument gives his music new dimension and textures, and truly adds to his distinct, jazz-fusion style. He recorded his album ìDoubtsî in the summer and fall of 2002. The album features different ensemble settings and various styles of composition that effectively show Kai's ability as not only a great musician, but a well-rounded, talented composer. His beautiful melody lines, dynamic playing, and sensitive interaction between the players are what really make Kai's music extraordinary. He often tailors parts for the players he knows best, accentuating their virtuosity, and combining their styles with his own. Background Born in Maebashi, Japan, 1979. Kai has been studying music virtually his whole life, progressing from piano to trumpet to trombone. He picked up the electric bass at the age of 15, and was accepted to the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston on scholarship from 1998, until he graduated with a Bachelor of music in 2001. In 1999 he started playing the Warr guitar, and since then has developed his own style of playing the instrument. During his time in Boston, Kai performed in a number of local live bands, recorded bass and Warr guitar for numerous studio sessions, and performed regularly on the streets and subways. He has studied with Miroslav Tadic, Stuart Fox, Charlie Haden, Wadada Leo Smith, Steven Mosko, Art Jarvinen, Vinny Golia, Alphonso Johnson, Tiger Okoshi, Steve Rochinski, Oscar Stagnaro, and Bruce Gertz.