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 a...