The Guitar Player's Resource
Skillfully blending genres such as blues, funk and jazz, the original instrumental compositions on Tomo Fujita's debut CD, Put On Your Funk Face are a mixture of the guitarist's many diverse influences: Earth, Wind and Fire, B.B. King, Jimi Hendrix, Joe Pass, Larry Carlton, Stevie Ray Vaughan and the Meters. "Just Funky" and "Meltdown" are impressive examples of fusion/funk magic, while "Orange Juice & Water" and "Don't Wake Me" advance Fujita's blues agenda, as he bends and slides his way through warm, resonant solos and ultra-clean, soulful melodies. Fujita demonstrates a great touch and sense of dynamics throughout Put On Your Funk Face, which makes this release essential listening for fans of his brand of sonic stylings.
Tomo, born in Kyoto, Japan, began playing guitar at age 13. Originally inspired by various rock artists, Tomo heard Larry Carlton and began digging into his influences. His dream of coming to the United States was realized when he received the John Abercrombie Jazz Masters Award and a scholarship to the Berklee College of Music. While attending Berklee, Tomo won several Battle of the Bands competitions, Boston's Best Guitarist competition and the demo of the month pick in Guitar Player magazine. Tomo is now an Assistant Professor at Berklee, and does clinics at the major music schools in Japan every summer.
Fujita has also recently released an instructional video through Rittor Music in Japan, which has sold over 5000 copies. Fujita's goal is to tour the world with his band and share not only his knowledge, but his experience, and to show that anything is possible.
Tomo Fujita
P.O. Box 468
Dedham, MA 02027
United States
Web site: www.tomofujita.com