TEE "The Earth Explorer"

TEE is a five piece flute front progressive rock band from Tokyo, Japan. Their so-called 'European' sound is unique considering their far-east origin. The imaginative tunes with complex ensembles and rhythms will definitely catch the attention of prog lovers all over the world. Their sound will remind you bands like Camel, King Crimson, Asia Minor or even Frank Zappa on some parts. The band was formed in 2004 when... more

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TEE is a five piece flute front progressive rock band from Tokyo, Japan. Their so-called 'European' sound is unique considering their far-east origin. The imaginative tunes with complex ensembles and rhythms will definitely catch the attention of prog lovers all over the world. Their sound will remind you bands like Camel, King Crimson, Asia Minor or even Frank Zappa on some parts. The band was formed in 2004 when guitarist Katsumi Yoneda wanted to get together with other musicians to play European rock covers (like PFM, Area, Asia Minor etc...) Kats says: "Iigahama (bass), Imai (flute), a drummer and I regulary jamed in a rock bar, so I asked them if they would be interested in forming a cover band (which they named Euro Express). We posted an ad on a portal site to find a keyboardist, then Yonekura joined. We had a gig in May 2005. After the gig we decided to play original tunes, the drummer left the band, then Asada (drum) joined us after another ad on a portal site." TEE has thoughtful arrangements and quality production work on the CD which was released recently by MUSEA Records. Especially Kenji Imai's smooth and very clear flute tone will take you into a dream like state (for those who are interested he plays Altus A1307R/E). Imai also plays soprano recorder on some songs.

After the band decided to play original materials and their name was changed to 'The Earth Explorer'. The original line-up was Katsumi Yoneda (guitar), Ryuji Yonekura (keyboards), Kenji Imai (flute) and Yukio Iigahama (bass). The line-up was completed with the addition of drummer Takayuki Asada later. The band started to play regularly in the Tokyo area. Before joining the Earth Explorer, the band members were involved in different projects reflecting their musical tendencies: Iigahama and Yonekura were big Yes fans and they played in Yes cover bands. Yonede has been playing in several King Crimson cover bands for more than 15 years. He also played in a PFM, and a Genesis cover bands. Imai (flute) is a big Frank Zappa fan. He is currently involved in other side projects like a raggae band, a woodwind ensemble and he is also taking classical music lessons. Asada (drums), unlike the other members, had never been in a prog music project before joining TEE. He's been playing in some Japanese pop bands and hard rock cover bands. But he definitely adapted fast considering the odd time signatures they are playing.

A live recording for their first demo album was carried out on their 3rd gig in July, 2007. 'First Voyage – live in Crazy Jam' was released in December 2007. With regular gigs and the demo live album, TEE was building up a reputation among Japanese prog lovers. TEE's sound was recognized as 'European' because of its non-Japanese taste and the prog rock background of the band.

In fall of 2008, the band recorded their first studio album 'The Earth Explorer'. The official band name was changed to 'TEE' upon the release. TEE was invited to play in the most famous Japanese prog festival, POSEIDON, in November 2008 and the performance was praised by prog critics.

The 1st studio album 'The Earth Explorer' was released by MUSEA for worldwide distribution in March 2009. The album for the band consisted by 6 imaginative tunes with full of fine musicianship. Keyboardist Ryuji Yonekura has a strong fusion influence, he also plays claviola on the CD. Guitarist Katsumi Yoneda and him are the main song writers. They usually come up with the basics of a composition and then they get together with the rest of the band in their studio to polish up the materials. Bassist Yukio Iigahama's style can be described as funk meets fusion in a very melodious way, very very tasteful.

The band is hoping to play in European venues pretty soon. There is a chance they will play in Prog Sud Festival in France. There are also plans for some of the east cost's prog festivals in the USA.

For more information you can visit their myspace page at: www.myspace.com/theearthexplorer.