Shuya Okino has been DJing on the international scene for more than two decades, bringing the best Crossover Jazz to the Americas, Europe and Asia in a soulful effort to bridge musical as well as cultural divides. Garnering early acclaim with Kyoto Jazz Massive’s first single, “Eclipse/Silent Messenger” and the release of the subsequent album Spirit of the Sun in 2002, it wasn’t until recently that Okino put out his own album, United Legends. Like everything Okino does, it’s original and with style. In the tradition of the genre he has brought to the forefront of international music scenes across the globe, the album was put together by invitation to ten different producers and ten different vocalists as a compilation of sorts, via email. Like Kyoto Jazz Massive itself, which came into the world as a DJ vehicle, the scene has grown to encapsulate an eclectic ensemble of the best live jazz musicians in conjunction with mad beat architecture: two of the things Shuya Okino holds dear.

The lovely and talented Maria Golomidova had a chance to sit down with Shuya recently and talk about his roots, the possibility of a new KJM album and what else he’s got on his plate.