Kenso is one of the most acclaimed Japanese instrumental progressive bands and was formed in 1974, by Yoshihisa Shimizu with his fellow high school musicians and began their career as a cover band playing Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath etc.
Shimizu learning dentistry at Kanagawa Dental College, they began being influenced by Yes. Going back and forth between dental study and music Shimizu permanently reformed the band and in 1980, the self-financed 400-copy album `Kenso' was released.
The distinctive Kenso musical style was more noticeable on their second group album- another limited release of 1,000 copies. The album included one of their most famous compositions: `Sora ni hikaru,' and is still a concert highlight.
In 1985, King Records picked up the band and help released their third album. During the album's production, keyboardist and composer- Ken-ichi Oguchi joined the group giving the band two keyboardists. The following year they released a double live album `In Concert.'
In 1987, Kenso released a compilation of their first two albums and started to prepare for their next studio venture, but original member Haruhiko Yamamoto left the band and was replaced by Masayuki Muraishi out of the prestigious Tokyo National University of Fine Arts and Music. Bassist Shunji Saegusa replaced Kimiyoshi Matsumoto in time to work on their next album `Sparta.'
In 1990 Ken-ichi Mitsuda, also out of Tokyo National University of Fine Arts and Music, joined Kenso and they released one of their best albums (IMHO)- Yume no Oka and toured the rest of the year.
Four years later of occasional touring `classic' songs, Kenso returned on stage with new materials in August 1995.
Without vocals, Kenso's music has withstood the test of time. They have been highly acclaimed overseas. But as each member is so busy with session and independent work, studio albums are far and few in between as well as lengthy foreign tours.
Fans continue to support the live performances. In the year 2000, Kenso released a live album- a 25th anniversary concert on April 30th in Tokyo. It is a wonderful performance.
In July, 2005 Kenso played a amazing set at the Nearfest Music festival in Bethlehem PA. Many festival-goers called it the best set of the entire two-day show.
They filmed the shgow for a possible DVD release (the bands third).
Discography:
Kenso (1980)
Kenso 2nd (1982)
Kenso 3rd (1985)
In Concert (1986)
Selfportrait (Compilation)(1987)
Sparta (1989)
Yume no Oka (1991)
LIVE `92 (1993)
Early Live Vol.1 (1994)
Early Live Vol.2 (1995)
ZAIYA LIVE(1996)
IN THE WEST (1998)
KENSO `76/77(2000)
VIDEO - HITOKUTEKI SHINSHO (2000)
25th Anniversary Live CD "Ken - Son - Gu - Su" (2000)
Fabulis Mirabilibus (2002)
Utsoroi yuku Mono (2006)
Uchi Naru Koe Ni Kaiki Seyo (2014)
