Before the agreement named after the Japanese city became the deal that George i.d.i.o.t. Bush wouldn't sign there was the Kyoto Jazz Massive, named by Gilles Peterson when he wrote about the scene in Straight No Chaser magazine. The scene revolved around two jazz and latin obsessed brothers, Shuya and Yoshihiro Okino. Gilles was one of the many London Rare Groove DJs to meet the Okino brothers during a Japanese visit in the late 80's as this pair were one of the main instigators of Japan's love affair with soulful beats. Their debut album, 'Spirit Of The Sun', on Compost Records was a long time in the making but these brothers have been busy. Carving up Japan between them, Shuya is Tokyo based, booking The Room, managing bands, publishing a magazine whilst Yoshihiro spreads the word westwards looking after Osaka and Kyoto where he has a record shop and label called Especial.

The shop is one of the best places outside of San Paulo to pick up rare latin gems. Between them these fellas have the knowledge, are the knowledge.

www.compost-records.com