The 42nd installment of our cutting-edge compilation series.

From Shuya Okino, the DJ and world's only music critic, and the foremost authority in sound branding who transforms spaces through music, of KYOTO JAZZ MASSIVE,Shuya Okinocomes the 42nd installment of his monthly compilation.



Reflecting on 2011, a year of contemplating love and life, this is the first half of his carefully selected annual best. Starting with uplifting tracks, the theme is "THE BEST OF 2011~UPLIFTING TRACKS." Could it be that none of these tracks have been featured on iTunes for OPENERS before? Is that even possible? (laughs wryly). Still, it's amazing how many great songs were released this year. It was a bountiful year!



We begin with Ben Westbeech, who showcased his elegant fusion house after moving to Strictly Rhythm. After two instrumental deep house tracks, we move to an evolved form of broken beat with an impressive bassline from Tarantulaz, featuring a cover of a Soul II Soul classic. This is followed by two soulful house tracks that energized dance floors this year, leading into "Time Is Now," featuring my favorite vocalist, Tawiah.



The compilation concludes with two tracks by Japanese artists (one of which is mine...). Both feature the "black" sound with bass played by Kenichi Ikeda, also known as ROOT SOUL. Dance music in 2011 was shifting towards a more musical direction, influenced by techno and electro. Are people's preferences moving from frenzy to emotion? Please enjoy these masterpieces from 2011, a year of change.



The sequel, THE BEST OF 2011~MELLOW TRACKS, will be announced next time.

To listen to or purchase the songs, you need to install the "iTunes" software.

If you haven't installed it yet,hereto download.

Please note that installation may not be possible depending on your computer environment. We appreciate your understanding.

M-1


“Butterflies”

by Ben Westbeech

from There's More to Life Than This

M-2



“Synthetes”

by Mr. Beatnick

from Synthetes - EP

M-3



“Moon Shadow”

by Bassfort

from Moon Shadow／Moon Light - Single

M-4




“I Wasn’t Kidding（Vocal Mix）［feat. Tiffany Loren][Vocal Mix]”

by Tarantulaz

from I Wasn’t Kidding（feat. Tiffany Loren） - Single

M-5



“Fairplay（Radio Edit）”

by Zed Bias＆Jenna G

from Fairplay（feat. Jenna G）／Phoneline（feat. Rosco Trim）

M-6



“Race of Survial（Sean McCabe Remix）”

by Mekkah

from Race of Survival（Remixes）［feat. Stephen Granville］

M-7



“We Can’t　Loose（Main Vocal Mix）［feat. Adrianne Archie］”

by Matthew Bandy

from We Can’t　Loose（feat. Adrianne Archie） - EP - Single

M-8



“Time Is Now（Original Mix）[feat. Taliwa]”

by Neil Pierce

Time Is Now - Single（feat. Taliwa）

M-9



“Flight Time（feat. Root Soul）”

by MAKOTO

from Souled Out

M-10



“Take A Look At Yourself feat.Diviniti

by Shuya Okino

from DESTINY

12/31 (New Year's Eve) THE ROOM 19th Anniversary Party & Count Down 2011-2012



＠The ROOM (Shibuya)



[DJ] SHUYA OKINO (KYOTO JAZZ MASSIVE) / DJ KAWASAKI /

YOSUKE TOMINAGA (CHAMP) / OIBON (CHAMP) / endo nao and more…



OPEN : 21:00

CHARGE : 21:00-22:00 ¥2,000 (1D) / 23:00- ¥3,000



The Room Tel. 03-3461-7167

INFO : 8F Toto Bldg., 15-19 Sakuragaoka-cho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo

http://www.theroom.jp/

Reached #1 on the iTunes Dance Albums Chart!

Official compilation for "Tokyo Crossover/Jazz Festival" released!

The Beetle Presents TOKYO CROSSOVER NIGHT

Compiled by SHUYA OKINO (KYOTO JAZZ MASSIVE) / V.A

From Tokyo, a global leader in the crossover and club jazz scene, comes a new compilation by Shuya Okino (KYOTO JAZZ MASSIVE), one of Japan's foremost DJs.


Blending diverse genres such as soul, jazz, funk, techno, boogie, and house,
this collection features superb crossover sounds that transcend the boundaries of dance, listening, and driving music! All tracks are newly released on CD!


Includes unreleased tracks from Shuya Okino, DJ KAWASAKI, and KYOTO JAZZ MASSIVE and SLEEP WALKER!!

For track details and Shuya Okino's commentary on each song, click here.

http://www.extra-freedom.co.jp/release/tokyo_crossover_night/



You can preview all tracks here.

http://youtu.be/k1pvAKCmKaA



2011.11.30 Release

VIA-0096 (Village Again)

Special price 1,890 (tax in)

Reached #1 on the iTunes Dance Albums Chart!

Reached #3 on the Overall Albums Chart!!

The ultimate masterpiece of luxurious dance music!

Shuya Okino (KYOTO JAZZ MASSIVE)'s second solo album, the first in 4 years!!

"DESTINY" Shuya Okino of Kyoto Jazz Massive

2011.07.13 (Wed) Release

VIA-0088 (Village Again)


The world's most beautiful sound album is complete.

Featuring a theme of "JAZZ meets BOOGIE," the album includes an equal mix of covers and original tracks.

This ambitious work not only proves Okino's skill as a DJ but also showcases his prowess as a composer, challenging the greats!

A historic masterpiece in the club jazz/crossover scene is born!


Shuya Okino Official Blog

http://ameblo.jp/shuya-okino/

☆ Countdown blog posts for the month leading up to the release!

iTunes

☆ Listen to all tracks here.




＜Release Tour Decided!＞

For dates and details, visit the official website.

http://www.extra-freedom.co.jp/artists/shuya_okino/

Broadcasting on the video distribution site, USTREAM, The Room TV is now airing!

The Room Official Blog

TWITTER ACCOUNT Shuya Okino |twitter.com/shuyakyotojazz Shibuya The Room |twitter.com/theroom_shibuya