Jacks (band)
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1966 |
| Headquarters | Japan |
| Products | Psychedelic rock music |
Jacks were a Japanese psychedelic rock band from the 1960s, recognized for their seminal 1968 release Vacant World.
History
Formed in 1966 under the original name "Nightingale," the group began as a folk trio. The inclusion of jazz drummer Takasuke Kida transformed their style into psychedelic rock. Their 1968 album Vacant World (also known as Karappo No Sekai or Jacks no Sekai) is regarded as a pivotal work in Japanese music history. The album’s title song faced a ban from Japanese radio stations due to its lyrical content. Although their career was short-lived and concluded prior to releasing their second album, Super Session (Jacks No Kiseki), the Jacks have maintained a significant influence in Japan’s music scene.
Following the band's dissolution, lead vocalist Yoshio Hayakawa issued a well-received solo album before stepping away from music, eventually returning as a solo performer during the 1990s. Drummer Takasuke Kida tragically passed away in a car accident in 1980.
Musical style
The Jacks merged elements of psychedelic rock, surf, folk, and jazz with an introspective and improvisational style. Their sound incorporated effects such as reverb and tremolo alongside subtle fuzz guitar tones, vibraphone, organ, and wind instruments including flute. Hayakawa’s vocal delivery ranged from serene passages to powerful wails, while Kida’s drumming showcased everything from jazzy fills to intricate rhythms with dynamic cymbal work.
Personnel
- Yoshio Hayakawa – vocals, rhythm guitar
- Haruo Mizuhashi – lead guitar, vocals
- Hitoshi Tanino – Fender bass, upright bass
- Takasuke Kida – drums, flute, vibraphone
Albums
- Vacant World [Jacks No Sekai] (Toshiba Express, September 1968)
- Super Session [Jacks No Kiseki] (Toshiba Express, October 1969)
- Jacks' Greatest Hits (Toshiba Express, 1972)
- Live '68 (H.A.F., 1973 - fan club release)
- Echoes In The Radio (radio sessions) (Toshiba Eastworld, June 1986)
Both Vacant World and Super Session are still available through EMI Japan.
Singles
- "Karappo No Sekai" b/w "Iikodane" (Takt/Million, March 1968)
- "Marianne" b/w "Tokei Wo Tomete" (Takt Million, May 1968)
- "Karappo No Sekai" b/w "Tokei Wo Tomete" (Columbia, September 1968)
- "Kono Michi" b/w "Karappo No Sekai" (album version) (Toshiba Express, October 1968)
- "Joe's Rock" b/w "Flower" (Toshiba Express, October 1969)