Spinning the rhythmical beats for Marva Whitney's new album and embarking on a worldwide tour, Ryo Nakata speaks to Reminiscin' about the ins and outs of the Japanese Soul Funk scene and his fascination to Funk.

Osaka Monaurail's convey their music with simplicity, but it's their ease and naturalness of unwinding a crowd that truly sets Funk lovers in worship. Taking their sound to the grounding years of Soul Funk, it is hard to comprehend that such a band derives from the Asian depths of Japan when they are as convincible as their American counterparts.

As one of Japan's notorious Funk bands, Osaka Monaurail have come a long way. With the 90's being a pioneering age for the band they have continued to preserve their musical ethos, remained true to their roots and their forebears.

In keeping aligned to the golden years of funk, Ryo Nakata addresses the impact of past, "London has a lot to do with our history. In the late 80's Norman Jay rare groove show; it was London that took this music to Japan. By the late 80's it was hard to find James Brown LP's. If there was no London scene, I would have never got into this kind of music."

Though London may have been the stepping stone to their musical pursuit, their home soil dictates a completely different story. With only a morsel of venues catering for the new breed of Soul seekers, notably the Blue Note and the Cotton Club, Ryo Nakata explains the slow stead, "There are a few venues, but there's one venue called Cotton Club. I would say there aren't many, but there are a few clubs that I have played at." Although the venues are in decline, Ryo Nakata admittedly adds, "Certain amount of people in Japan love Soul and Funk, but it is not the kinda music that is mainstream. It is mostly underground, but it isn't a question of it being underground or over ground it is whether you like it or not."

Whether the genre is an acquired taste, loathed or adored their allegiance to the Soul Funk phenomena is evident, "I think it's kinda clear to me, I love this music because it's from the late 60's, and the messages are from the black community in the US. We are developing our own communities," Ryo Nakata confirms.

With their sureness and persistence to catapult their music beyond their realm, Ryo Nakata underlines their strength and longevity, "I don't know if it is kinda right or wrong, but I never ask people what they think. The reason why is I know what I am doing, I know how good I am; I also know how bad I am. I know where I am so I never ask people." But warns, "You cannot survive without support and that is why we are still around."

Despite their unanimous support, Osaka Monaurail have acquired a greater level of appreciation, an admirable icon in the name of Marva Whitney. Describing their consented collaboration with Marva as "something you cannot refuse" , they have, nevertheless secured their bond further as Ryo Nakata explains, "The record label is called Shout! I think it is doing good, we are releasing Marva Whitney's album.

Marva Whitney's new album, 'I am what I am', we did all the arrangements and that worked out really good." With their new album, 'Reality For The People' set to release alongside Marva Whitney's album , it can only mean that the double whammy will be doubley impressive.

Related Links:
> www.osakamonaurail.com