Ghost (Japanese band)
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1984 in Tokyo, Japan |
| Founder | Masaki Batoh |
| Headquarters | Tokyo , Japan |
| Products | Experimental rock music, albums |
Ghost was a pioneering experimental rock ensemble that originated in Tokyo, Japan, in 1984.
History
Masaki Batoh, the band's central figure, was raised in Kyoto, Japan and cultivated a passion for American and British rock music, drawing inspiration from artists such as Bob Dylan, Pink Floyd, and the Velvet Underground, as well as influential Japanese groups like the Taj Mahal Travellers and the Flower Travellin' Band.
Batoh established Ghost with a fluid and expansive roster of musicians. The group embraced a wandering existence, staging performances in diverse settings including ancient temple ruins and abandoned subway stations throughout Tokyo.
Their initial releases included the albums Ghost (1990) and Second Time Around (1992), both distributed under license by the American indie label Drag City. Batoh’s solo projects also appeared through Drag City and the Los Angeles-based The Now Sound, compiled under Collected Works. In 1999, Ghost issued two albums concurrently: Tune In, Turn On, Free Tibet and Snuffbox Immanence.
The band worked alongside former Galaxie 500 members Damon and Naomi for various recordings and live shows. By the release of their 2004 album Hypnotic Underworld, personnel shifts saw cellist Hiromichi Sakamoto and percussionist Setsuko Furuya replaced by Takuyuki Moriya (bass, cello) and Junzo Tateiwa (drums, percussion).
In 2005, Drag City released "Metamorphosis: Ghost Chronicles 1984-2004," a collection comprising a CD and DVD featuring over two hours of rare archival recordings and footage documenting the band’s early improvisational sessions and live performances.
January 2007 marked the arrival of In Stormy Nights, which was awarded an 8.0 score by Pitchfork.
In 2008, Batoh collaborated with cellist Helena Espvall, producing the album Helena Espvall & Masaki Batoh. This was followed by the release of Overloaded Ark in 2009.
After thirty years of activity, Masaki Batoh declared the dissolution of Ghost in 2014.
Members
- Masaki Batoh (馬頭將噐): vocals, acoustic guitar
- Kazuo Ogino (荻野和夫): piano, electronics
- Michio Kurihara (栗原道夫): electric guitar
- Junzo Tateiwa (立岩潤三): drums, percussion
- Takuyuki Moriya (守屋拓之): bass
- Taishi Takizawa (瀧澤大志, also known as Giant): theremin, flute, saxophone
Albums
- Ghost (1990)
- Second Time Around (1992)
- Temple Stone (1994)
- Lama Rabi Rabi (1996)
- Snuffbox Immanence (1999)
- Tune In, Turn On, Free Tibet (1999)
- Hypnotic Underworld (2004)
- Metamorphosis: Ghost Chronicles 1984–2004 (CD/DVD set 2005)
- In Stormy Nights (2007)
- Overture: Live in Nippon Yusen Soko 2006 (2007)
Singles
- Moungod Air Cave b/w Guru in the Echo (1995) – live tracks recorded in 1989 and 1994
- Holy High b/w Filament (2003)
Collaborations
- Damon and Naomi with Ghost (2000)
Appearances on Compilations
- Tama Yura featured on Tokyo Flashback Vol. 1 (1991)
- Sun is Tangging included in Tokyo Flashback Vol. 2 (1992)
- Suspect Tells of Dog Under the Sun present on Tokyo Flashback Vol. 3 (1993)
- Way to Coimbula contributed to ALMS: A benefit for Ptolemaic Terrascope (1997)
Masaki Batoh Solo Releases
- A Ghost from the Darkened Sea (1995) – Duration: 23:39
- Kikaokubeshi (1996) – Duration: 31:42
- Collected Works 95-96 (2004) – Compilation combining the two prior albums
- Brain Pulse Music (2012)
Collaborative Works by Helena Espvall and Masaki Batoh
- Helena Espvall & Masaki Batoh (2008)
- Overloaded Ark (2009)