Formed in Japan in 2000, Pe’z was a jazz instrumental quintet, often referred to as the Samurai Jazz Band. The group was comprised of musicians Wataru ‘B.M.W.’ Ohyama (trumpet), Kouske ‘Jaw’ Kadota (saxophone), Masahiro Nirehara (double bass), Kou (drums), and Mazayuki ‘HZM’ Hizumi (keyboards and vocals). Shortly after their formation, Pe’z began their career by performing live on the streets of Shibuya, Japan, building their audience by word of mouth. They released their first three EPs in 2001: pe’z, Hayato, and Okokoroire. By 2002, the group was playing large music festivals and shows including the Newport Jazz Festival. They released their debut album, Kugatsu no Sola, in 2002, which landed on the Japanese Billboard charts and earned them a New Artist of the Year honor at the 17th annual Japan Gold Disc Awards. Further live and studio albums and EPs include Kiwamari Zuki (2003), Don Bla Go! (2003), Tsukushinow (2005), Samurai Spirit (2006) and Funny Day & Hard Night (2007). Their popularity spread worldwide and Pe’z performed in Europe, Canada, South Korea, and the United States. After the release of Chisou, their 2014 album, the band announced their decision to split and spent the first half of 2015 doing a farewell tour to say goodbye to their fans.
