2024.11.24 Report - Sketch of Moments #3 "Across the Border"

On November 24th, we held our third solo live performance at MANDA-LA2.

Each time, we aim to capture the essence of the moment, creating a unique experience for those who attend. This solo live series, titled "Sketch of Moments," aims to offer something special to the audience. For this edition, we added the subtitle "Across the Border."

As the previous performance, the vocalist, Takako Umehara, created paintings for this event, which were displayed on screen using the video technology of pianist Koichi Tsukamoto.

1st Stage

The first stage featured a seven-part suite based on the song "A Ship Departure and People" (Song lyrics and music by Takako Umehara), composed and arranged by Tsukamoto.

【Song list】

1. Part I - Crossing

2. Part II - Embark

3. Part III - A Ship Departure and People

4. Part IV - Branch on the Sand

5. Part V - Wind Across the Border

6. Part VI - A Ship Departure and People

7. Part VII - Recrossing

   
   

8. Sister's Profile

For each part of the suite, Umehara created a drawing that was displayed on the screen.

The suite had a theme centered around the "sea," and it was performed continuously as one piece. To close the 1st stage, we performed "Sister's Profile," which also had image of sea.

2nd Stage

The second stage featured a selection of forcola's songs.

【Song list】

1. At the end of the long rain

2. Remniscence

3. Trails in dawn

4. En La Imaginación (Marta Valdes)

5. Hacia dónde (Marta Valdes)

6. Treasure in Salina

7. The Road I Walked

(Encore)

8. Hopes in September

In each forcola gig, we always include songs from Latin American artists, and this time, as a tribute to the recently deceased Cuban singer-songwriter Marta Valdes, we performed two of her songs.

In Memory of Marta Valdés

Behind the Scenes..

There were some accidents along the way...

In previous performances, we had support with the display operation, but this time, we took on the task ourselves. We used a MIDI controller to manipulate the visuals during the performance, with Tsukamoto handling the programming. Just as we thought everything had gone smoothly, at the very end, the animation of the "forcola" logo froze on "forco," which was a bit of a funny moment.

Additionally, Umehara joined in the setup of the display equipment this time, but there was a small accident where a splinter from the stage floor pricked her finger when she started to put cables. We were in a big panic, shouting "tweezers, needles, and so on!", but fortunately, it was resolved without further issues, although Umehara was not particularly helpful in this situation (lol).

Thanks!

Despite all the accidents, we were able to successfully complete the performance.

Many thanks to Tomone Kakinuma, who supported with merchandise sales and video shooting, and to Yamamoto Seisakusho-san for the photography. We also greatly appreciate the MANDA-LA2 staff for helping with equipment transport and stage setup. And, of course, a huge thank you to all the guests who came from afar on their precious day off. We are truly grateful!

---

Next

Our next live performance is scheduled for March 16th at MANDA-LA2.

It will again be a Sunday afternoon event, and as we mentioned during the MC, it would make us happy if you could attend with the same sense of anticipation as if you were visiting a museum or art gallery.

In addition, while forcola is working on plans for our next album, we are also considering new forms of expression, such as displaying paintings in galleries. We have many exciting challenges planned for next year, so please look forward to our future announcements!

(End)

All photos in this article are courtesy of Yamamoto Seisakusho. Thank you as always!