Celebrating 30 Years Since Their Major Debut with a Visit to Japan!

――What have you been up to musically lately?

Mark Fisher (hereinafter Mark F.)We've been busy with tours. I toured with the 'Big Band Jazz Orchestra of the Concertgebouw' in the Netherlands, and it was powerful with about 30 people on stage.

Mark Riley (hereinafter Mark R.)After this London show, we have performances in Switzerland, Japan, then Spain, and also a live show on the island of Bonaire in the Caribbean, so we're looking forward to it.

――Do you often collaborate with other musicians during your tours?

Mark F.With the Jazz Orchestra of the Concertgebouw, we arranged our songs for a big band. It was a new challenge and a lot of fun. They are a group based at the famous concert hall 'Concertgebouw' in Amsterdam, and they've also performed at Blue Note Tokyo. They gave Matt Bianco a new direction, so I'd love to work with them again.

――Are there any countries or recommended live venues that left a particular impression on you during your tours?

Mark F.Honestly, Japan. I think the food is the best in the world, and I also find the culture and Japanese architecture to be wonderful. Next would be Italy.

Mark R.I agree.

Mark F.Our acquaintances in Japan were surprised because many American artists they know in Japan want to eat burgers and steaks, but we always say we want to eat Japanese food. When in Rome, do as the Romans do, right?

Mark R.There are many live venues we like, but in Europe, we sometimes perform in the main town squares. Our upcoming show in Switzerland is like that, and it's always exciting to have that sense of immediacy.

――Do you prefer smaller venues or larger ones like big halls and festivals?

Mark F.I prefer smaller venues because the audience's reaction is more direct.

Mark R.I can enjoy both.

We Want to Try Many Things in Japan

――What do you usually do on your days off?

Mark R.Besides spending time with friends and exercising, I play golf.

Mark F.I play golf a lot, though I'm not very good (laughs). My club often slips out and flies further than the ball (laughs).

Mark R.Mark (F) is dangerous (laughs).

Mark F.I really love golf, but I think golf hates me (laughs). I'd like to play golf in Japan too, but we often have to fly back the day after a performance, so I haven't had the chance yet. I want to try many things in Japan. Golf, and I'd also like to visit an onsen, but we never seem to have enough time.

Mark R.Other than that, we like soccer, so we're looking forward to the World Cup.

Mark F.I'm a Manchester United supporter, and it's been a terrible season for them this year (laughs). Mark (R), being an Arsenal fan, must have had a great season. Shinji Kagawa should play more.

The Story Behind the Hit Song "Sunshine Day"

――What does the hit song "Sunshine Day" mean to Matt Bianco? Please tell us the story behind its creation. It's probably the most requested song, so how do you decide when to play it?

Mark R.What's interesting is that the song people expect varies depending on the country where we perform. In Japan, they ask us to play "Sunshine Day," but in other countries, they request different songs. So, we change the setlist order depending on the country. "Sunshine Day" is a song I love, and it's popular everywhere, so we usually play it at most concerts. For tonight's London show, we plan to open with "Sunshine Day."

Mark F."Sunshine Day" is a cover of a song by the 1970s British band Osibisa, and I like it because we arranged it with a different approach than the original.

――Beyond the music, your live performances showcase your stylishness and sophisticated adult appeal, including your fashion sense. How does culture, such as fashion, influence your music? Do you enjoy fashion?

Mark R.I like fashion and culture. I'm a fan of spy movies and TV series, and Matt Bianco is actually the name of a fictional spy. Our early stage costumes were influenced by spy movie styles. Even now, I don't want to perform looking like an ordinary person walking down the street (laughs), so we always put thought into our stage outfits.

Mark F.Music and culture are inseparable.

Mark R.What fashion and music have in common is their vintage aspect. Contemporary things are always influenced by older things, and it's interesting how new music and fashion emerge from that.

――Are there performances or music that you can only deliver now, thanks to the experience and achievements you've accumulated?

Mark R.Yes. Having toured around the world and collaborated with local musicians each time, we've been influenced by the music of various countries. For example, when I went to Cuba and collaborated with Cuban musicians, it was a very valuable experience. I believe these years of experience are reflected in Matt Bianco's music and performances.

Mark F.Collaborating with local artists always offers something new to learn.

Mark R.Also, since our style is jazz and Latin jazz, unlike pop artists, we can play at any age. In fact, as we get older, we can perform even better.


――Do you have any plans for new releases?

Mark F.We're at the stage of discussing it with the label. Right now, we're focused on the tour, and we're enjoying that.

――Do you have any special plans for this performance at Blue Note Tokyo?

Mark F.We plan to watch the video from our previous performance and then decide.

Hiroshi Takakura
Originally from Kyoto City. Moved to the UK seven years ago and has been experiencing the vibrant local music scene in London firsthand. He disseminates a wide range of musical information not only as a DJ and event organizer but also through translations and writing for magazines and CD liner notes.