Not classical, not pops... We want to create a new genre.

First to appear is Risa Matsuura, the leader and violinist. "This Thom Browne pantsuit is so cool, isn't it? It's our first time wearing matching uniforms as a quartet, and when I put this on, I feel my posture straighten," she says with a smile.

"NIGO® listened to our CDs and attended our concerts many times. So, when I first heard about him producing the artwork for this release, I was truly surprised. I feel it was worth working hard for the past four years. It feels surreal to be photographed and performing in Thom Browne pantsuits; I'm so happy because this is something I couldn't wear even if I wanted to."

"Our debut album, "Norwegian Wood ～The Beatles Classics," released four years ago, was designed for the Beatles generation who grew up listening to The Beatles since their debut with 'Love Me Do' in 1962. However, this new album, "Help! ～Beatles Classics," features selections that can be enjoyed even by those unfamiliar with The Beatles. We've also released albums covering Queen and Michael Jackson, and we'd be delighted if listeners discover a world that's 'a little different from what they imagined' when they listen to famous songs by artists they know. Our music is based on classical foundations, but we aim to create a new genre that is neither a cover, background classical music, nor pop. Please come and see us live. We look great when we play."

Four Years of Passion and Teamwork

"Actually, when 1966 Quartet was formed, I only knew The Beatles' famous songs. Our debut album, "Norwegian Wood ～The Beatles Classics," was also a 'first encounter with The Beatles' for us. But after that, we all fell in love with The Beatles and started listening to them in our private lives. This time, the melodies came to me without thinking, I could play as I intended, and I was able to add my own originality."

"The brilliance of The Beatles lies in their melodic ideas. Each song has a completely new melody without repetitive patterns, so the title matches the melody. That's why an album like this, performed in this concept, turns out so interesting. My favorite song on this album, "Help! ～Beatles Classics," is the 12th track, 'Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band.' Of course, I love the original, but the arrangement on this version is so cohesive that I can't help but sing along while playing. I'll probably be mouthing the words live too (laughs), so please pay attention."

"The advantage of a quartet is that we can create music that wouldn't emerge from a single person. With four distinct emotions, we can produce hundreds of variations in performance, which is reflected in the sound. This album is filled with our four years of passion and teamwork, so please give it a listen."

Risa Matsuura (Violin, Leader)
Began playing the violin at age 5. Won numerous competitions, including 3rd prize at the 6th Osaka International Music Competition. Graduated from the Kyoto City University of Arts, Faculty of Music. Also active as a member of Chisako Takashima's "12 Violinists." She leads the unit with her solid technique and vibrant, dynamic expressiveness, pioneering the forefront of classical covers of popular music as a master who entrusts the soul of rock to her violin.
http://columbia.jp/artist-info/12violinists/

Wearing Thom Browne Pantsuits Creates a Sense of Unity

"My impression of the Thom Browne pantsuits? They resemble the suits The Beatles wore, and putting them on makes me feel focused, like 'I'm going to play The Beatles.' In classical music, male performers often wear suits or tuxedos and ties. This is the first time I've realized how challenging that style can be. For us, it's fun to wear them."

"Although these Thom Browne pantsuits look the same on all of us, there are subtle differences. There are two types of shoes, and the length of the pants is shorter for the two violinists who stand while playing. They've really put a lot of thought into it."

We Still Have Many Songs We Want to Play

"It was NIGO®'s attendance at our concert that led to this collaboration, and we are deeply honored. We really wanted to make this release special. As the leader Matsuura mentioned, the selection of songs for this album was decided by all four of us members. We had so many候補曲 (候補曲 - candidate songs) that it was very difficult to fit them all onto one album. We still have many songs we want to perform. While our debut album was enjoyed by those who grew up listening to The Beatles, with this one, we hope to inspire people our age to listen to The Beatles."

"Regarding the 'inhale' sound in the original song 'Girl,' which is a highlight, I researched it extensively and recreated it on my cello by scraping the soundboard with my bow. When you hear it, it sounds very close to an actual breath, so please pay attention."

Haruka Hayashida (Cello)
Began playing the cello at age 11. Won numerous competitions, including the 3rd Osaka International Music Competition and the 15th Japan Classical Music Competition. Graduated from and completed her Master's program at Tokyo University of the Arts. Also active with her sister Soyoka Hayashida in the duo "Aura Veris," releasing CDs. She provides a stable foundation for the ensemble while captivating listeners with her impressive solos.
http://columbia.jp/artist-info/auraveris/

"Huh? No way, why us?"

"I don't usually wear menswear, so it makes me stand up straighter. I knew the Thom Browne name, but when I actually wore it, the lines were beautiful, and the coordination from the clothes to the shoes created a sense of unity, perfectly matching The Beatles' gray image. I really like it. Classical performances often have a glamorous image with dresses, but this is traditional and sharp. It creates a sense of unity and makes it easier to get into the performance mindset."

"When I heard that NIGO® would be in charge of the artwork, I thought, 'Huh? No way, why us?' But when I went with him to Thom Browne and we discussed the coordination, it felt like a dream. Our first matching outfits as a group were for the Michael Jackson performance, and it made me realize there's this whole fashion world, which was quite sobering."

The song all four of us love is the first track on the album, "Help!"

"Our albums are often placed in the classical music section of CD stores. We hope that by being featured in media like this, more people will become aware of our presence in the classical music section."

"If I had to recommend one song from this album, "Help! ～Beatles Classics," it would be the 15th track, 'Yesterday.' It was also on our debut album, but after performing it in concerts all over the country... you can hear the growth of the past four years in the sound. We hope to convey our experience and depth. By the way, the song all four of us members love is the first track on the album, 'Help!'"

Yuki Hanai (Violin)
Began playing the violin at age 3. Graduated from Tokyo University of the Arts and completed a non-degree program in its graduate school. Debuted in 2010 with two simultaneous CD releases from Nippon Columbia. Her latest album is "Fantaisie-Impromptu ～11 stories on Violin." She has a wide range of activities, including being a member of the "Dohmoto Brothers Band" on Fuji TV's "Domoto Kyodai."
http://columbia.jp/hanaiyuki/

The Beatles on the First Album Had the Charm of Staying Close to the Original

"I love the sharp, tailored style of Thom Browne, and it's wonderful to have matching outfits for all four of us. As I play the piano, I watch Matsuura, Hanai, and Hayashida, and it's beautiful to see them from behind when our outfits match, which makes playing even more enjoyable."

"Generationally, I admired NIGO®'s brand, so when I heard about the artwork for this project, I thought it was a joke (laughs). But when I talk with NIGO®, it's clear he truly loves The Beatles, and we've also grown to love them more and more through listening, so our conversations never end. While the first album's Beatles covers had the charm of staying close to the original, this album showcases the individuality of all four members and an expanded range of expression with originality throughout – that's what you should listen for."

Melody Makers Whose Appeal Hasn't Faded in 50 Years

"If I had to pick one favorite song from "Help! ～Beatles Classics," it would be the 9th track, 'Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da.' True to our classical background, it's a playful take on Schubert's masterpiece 'The Trout,' and it's the only song we recorded live in the studio as a quartet in one take. The charm of The Beatles, above all, is that they are melody makers whose appeal hasn't faded even after 50 years. We want to express that brilliance, which resonates even with our generation, through our performance."

Miho Egashira (Piano)
Began playing the piano at age 4. Won numerous competitions, including the 6th Burckhardt International Music Competition and the 12th Yangtze River Cup International Music Competition in 2009. Graduated from and completed a two-year advanced course at Musashino Academia Musicae. Has been a member of 1966 Quartet since 2012. She supports the quartet with her comfortable sense of rhythm, and her generous, rich musicality moves listeners.

The Beatles = Suits = Thom Browne

"Then, two years later, when I was back in my hometown, they happened to be performing a concert at the Maebashi Citizen Cultural Hall. I bought a ticket on the day and listened. Their performance had such power, and I had never heard live music like it before. I became a fan again. They had a signing session after the concert, and I wanted to join, but the line was so long I gave up (laughs). That was in October last year."

"After that, I received a call from their agency when I returned to Tokyo. I attended several of their concerts, and the conversation turned to whether I would be interested in doing the art direction for their new album. I was unsure because I didn't understand the classical genre, but the keyword 'The Beatles' made me think of suits, and I considered 'Thom Browne might be a good fit.'"

"Why do I like 1966 Quartet? Well, I like the number '4' (laughs). TERIYAKI BOYZ also had four members. My impression of working with 1966 Quartet is that while they are elite musicians, each member has a distinct character, making them feel very much like a band. Unlike TERIYAKI BOYZ, I was allowed to direct them freely. I think it has a very fresh feel that will resonate with our generation."

PV Shot with Leica's New "M"

"To coincide with this release, we also decided to shoot a video, and we filmed it using Leica's new 'M.' The result is like 'moving photographs from a Leica'; it turned out beautifully without any need for retouching."

"Watching their performances, not only is the live sound captivating, but it also stimulates the imagination beyond just pleasing the ears. They have a solid foundation, which means they have the potential to break the mold. So, this time, I felt it was okay to break the mold. I came up with visuals using famous Beatles dolls and sampled famous Beatles scenes. Personally, I challenged myself with unconventional ideas. I believe we've created something that even Beatles fans will appreciate, thinking, 'They really understand it.'"

"1966 Quartet's style transcends language, so I believe it will be well-received internationally. Through this artwork, I want to convey the pure emotion that moved me to everyone."

1966QUARTET | 1966 Quartet
A female quartet, produced with great anticipation by Hiroyuki Takashima, the original director for The Beatles, who performs covers of Western music artists based on classical techniques. Bearing the name of the year "1966," when The Beatles caused a sensation in Japan, they made their CD debut in November 2010 with "Norwegian Wood ～The Beatles Classics" from Nippon Columbia. They held their debut recital at the Oji Hall.
In 2011, they released their second album, "We Will Rock You ～Queen Classics," covering the legendary rock group Queen. Their performance, which masterfully fused the soul of rock with lyrical melodies, signaled the dawn of a new era. After a change in their pianist member, they released "Thriller ～Michael Jackson Classics" in 2012 and have been actively engaged in concerts and album production across the country.
In their fourth album, "Help! ～Beatles Classics," which marks a return to their roots with The Beatles, the evolution of the unit is brilliantly evident in their performance.
http://columbia.jp/1966quartet/

"Help! ～Beatles Classics"
Nippon Columbia
(COCQ-85012) 2940 yen
Released Wednesday, June 5, 2013