Jason Tobosa, leader of the JMT Experiment, plays drums during rehearsal at the Crossroads at Hawaiian Brian’s. (Star-Advertiser photo by Bruce Asato)
BY ELIZABETH KIESZKOWSKI / ekieszkowski@staradvertiser.com
The drumbeat is demanding, tough and steady, the guitar licks assertive. This music is loud; it moves your body and digs down deep.
JMT EXPERIMENT RELEASE PARTYWith Taimane, Quadraphonix, Willow Chang Duo, Active8, Stef Muzic and DJ Bennie James» Where: Crossroads at Hawaiian Brian’s, 1680 Kapiolani Blvd. |
First Maryanne Ito, then Devon Williams takes the stage to contribute vocals, singly and together, their voices insinuating, attractive.
In stages, hip-hop duo Audible Lab Rats, violinist Lesley Kline and rapper Tantra Grillo also take the forefront. In each case, the tones are insistent, positive but aggressive.
As led by bandleader Jason Tobosa, creator of the JMT Experiment, the songs are original, but they have a classic feel, as if unearthed from a jam session at the end of the 1970s.
There’s just one cover song in the group’s repertoire, and it’s a telling one: Prince’s “Sign O’ the Times.” With its heady mix of sensual vocals, rock stylings and funk rhythms, the song is clearly a precursor to Tobosa’s vision.
Tobosa’s “Experiment” can be heard in full at a showcase concert at Crossroads at Hawaiian Brian’s on Thursday, Dec. 12.
TOBOSA grew up listening to funk, soul and R&B, then became drawn to rock, metal and hip hop. He attended the Berklee School of Music and has played at venues large and small around the country. In recent years, he hosted a “Venus Vibe Trap” jam at Bar 35.
The JMT Experiment grew out of his urge to document his essential sounds and to showcase the talents of some of Honolulu’s most capable, soulful musicians.
“I’ve been inspired to do a solo project inspired by my heroes, along the lines of Prince and Stevie Wonder,” he said.
He brought the music up to date, with elements of hip-hop and drum ‘n’ bass, and called in musicians he’s worked with for years, including Kline and guitarist David Yamasaki.
Jason Tobosa on the drums, leader of the JMT Experiment, with musicians Tupu Laufou on keyboard, guitarist David Yamasaki, Jon Porlas on percussion, Will Yokoyama on bass and vocalist Maryanne Ito, far left, during rehearsal in the Crossroads at Hawaiian Brian’s showroom. (Star-Advertiser photo by Bruce Asato)
Powerhouse singer Williams and rapper Tantra are also in the mix. Thursday’s show will be one of Honolulu’s last opportunities to hear Williams, who’s relocating to California.
“There’s some heavyweights here on this project, in the live band and on the studio stuff,” Tobosa said, appreciatively. “I feel very privileged and honored to work with them.
“This is rock ‘n’ roll. To give it that intensity, to give it that shock and awe, that’s what it’s all about.”