The heart of K-town Manhattan has a great jazzy hotspot that occupies the 4th floor of #23 west 32nd street.

J’z is an intimate, over 21, musical haunt right above the restaurant Wonjo. I’ve been to this establishment a couple times already, and it always gets more enjoyable every time I visit. This last Saturday the bar hosted 3 back to back musical acts to a standing-room-packed house.

The first two bands style themselves with different levels of rock. Yet, both groups, NoirCeuR and Tangerine on Fire, feature the talented musician TaKaaki Ando (A-Key).  Ando-san, also known as A-Key (Pronounced AH-ki), is an accomplished composer, musician and performer. He has been critical to the rising J-rock scene here in New York.  Without A-Key there wouldn’t be a scene to go to.

NoirceuR’s performances are all about flow and deep grace. The individual talents that the group’s members bring combine to make this one giant super group. Yes, I’ve figured it out; NoirCeuR is the Voltron of J-Rock bands. Their sound fills where ever they play like some great aroma. Instinctively you just have to know what smells so great and just be apart of it. I’ve described them musicially like the bands Do as Infinity or Dear Cloud. I cannot wait for these guys to feature more songs on their myspace. Narina, their lead singer, is almost a contradiction of sorts. This is due to her softness and ability to create stong melodies with a great ebbing vocal. Plus A-key, Kin and Jason are not hard on the eyes at all. I find myself wanting to scream KAWAII and Ashiteru every time they play. Don’t believe me just look at the pictures of them!

The next band Tangerine on Fire is plethora of different sounds. This was the first time I got to hear the group play live and it was a fusion of classic punk, noise and even elements of ska-ish metal. This totally fun sound made up of all those genres, made for a great performance. The two bands showcase very different sides to A-key, like yin and yang… NoirCeur’s side being a one of deep lyrics; and the wild energy of ToF’s side.

The last artist of the evening was singer Eunice. Sorry to say I do not know much about her. I had a prior engagement on St. Mark’s Place so I had to cut out early. I hope to see more from all three artists soon.

Thanks to Ningin Blogger Michael Latorre for the pictures.

j-rock-comes-to-k-town-with-noirceur-tangerine-on-fire-1
j-rock-comes-to-k-town-with-noirceur-tangerine-on-fire-2
j-rock-comes-to-k-town-with-noirceur-tangerine-on-fire-3
j-rock-comes-to-k-town-with-noirceur-tangerine-on-fire-4
j-rock-comes-to-k-town-with-noirceur-tangerine-on-fire-5

j-rock-comes-to-k-town-with-noirceur-tangerine-on-fire-6
j-rock-comes-to-k-town-with-noirceur-tangerine-on-fire-7
j-rock-comes-to-k-town-with-noirceur-tangerine-on-fire-8
j-rock-comes-to-k-town-with-noirceur-tangerine-on-fire-9
j-rock-comes-to-k-town-with-noirceur-tangerine-on-fire-10

j-rock-comes-to-k-town-with-noirceur-tangerine-on-fire-11
j-rock-comes-to-k-town-with-noirceur-tangerine-on-fire-12
j-rock-comes-to-k-town-with-noirceur-tangerine-on-fire-13
j-rock-comes-to-k-town-with-noirceur-tangerine-on-fire-14
j-rock-comes-to-k-town-with-noirceur-tangerine-on-fire-15

j-rock-comes-to-k-town-with-noirceur-tangerine-on-fire-16
j-rock-comes-to-k-town-with-noirceur-tangerine-on-fire-17
j-rock-comes-to-k-town-with-noirceur-tangerine-on-fire-18
j-rock-comes-to-k-town-with-noirceur-tangerine-on-fire-19
j-rock-comes-to-k-town-with-noirceur-tangerine-on-fire-20

j-rock-comes-to-k-town-with-noirceur-tangerine-on-fire-21
j-rock-comes-to-k-town-with-noirceur-tangerine-on-fire-22