Toshi, George, Brad, and Matt

Toshimaru Nakamura, George Clooney, Brad Pitt, and Matt Damon were all on view in Shibuya on Sunday afternoon. I can say without reservation that Toshi out performed them all.

Toshi (aka No-input Mixer) was performing at one my favorite venues, the Uplink Gallery. In fact, this is the third performance I've seen at the Uplink after viewing Keiichi Sugimoto (aka Fourcolor) there in 2005 and Miroque there last year. The show that I saw on Sunday afternoon was by far the most unique of the three.

Performing with a dancer and video artist, Toshi made his no-input mixer "whiz," "whir, " "beep," "pulse," and often distort into noise. He was the official soundtrack provider to the abstract dancing and remarkable video effects that were occurring around him. Appearing to be the "calm in the middle of the storm," he patiently worked at his mixer and (for me, at least) dazzled with his sounds.

The 55 minute piece was stark. The dancer initially appeared on stage next to her "twin" - a video image of her that acted through the identical gestures, movements and timing. This was startling - I don't know that I've ever seen an opening to a show quite like it. Once the piece settled in, I noticed for the first time that the dancer was outfitted in a hospital gown. My impression was that the show was about the debilitating effects of, and ensuing difficult recovery from, a health crisis. I know that doesn't sound like the material from which a great music, dance, and video performance occur, but I found the entire presentation to be very strong.

After the show, Toshi seemed a bit surprised when I told him that I thought it was a fine performance. After thousands of gigs, I know personally that it is sometimes hard to know if a performance communicated. But, this one certainly did with me.

George, Brad, and Matt shoulda been there to see it!

PS: After the show, I asked Toshi if I could go to the stage and take a couple of photos of the no-input mixing board. Happily, he obliged...