Djent + Jazz = Djazz?
Does It Djazz is a collaborative project between guitarist Kenta Shimakawa and Tokyo-based saxophonist ewik that fuses the crushing intensity of modern metal “djent” with the improvisational language and repertoire of jazz. Born from a shared curiosity—what happens when progressive low-tuned riffing meets Coltrane- and Brecker-inspired saxophone —the project reimagines jazz standards and anime themes through heavy distortion, intricate rhythmic displacement, and virtuosic soloing.
Key milestones:
2024: Release of BRECKERCORE, the project’s first statement marrying jazz phrasing with progressive metal sonics.
December 2024: Short run of Tokyo shows including the iconic prog-rock venue Silver Elephant.
2026: Viral success (500K+ views on Instagram) with Meshuggah Medley
September 2026: Show in San Jose curated and led by Kenta, featuring local San Jose talent and debuting new standard arrangements.
2026 - Live at Five Points, San Jose
Featuring local San Jose talent and featuring new arrangements
Trevor Strohl - Tenor Saxophone
Carlos Castellblanch - Keys
FRUNKYMAN - Bass
Nick Aganad - Drums
New Arrangements featured:
INNERURGES (Inner Urge)
Extra Sauce Please (ESP)
2026 - Meshuggah Medley
Kenta - Guitar
Ewik - Tenor Saxophone
Featuring the members of CONTRAPUNTAL on the rhythm section:
Robby Palermo - Drums
Chas Wilken - Bass
Featuring excerpts from Meshuggah:
Aztec Two-Step
Rational Gaze
Electric Red
Demiurge
Straws Pulled at Random
2024 - Live in Tokyo, Japan
Performed at Virtuoso (Akasaka) and Silver Elephant (Kichijoji)
Featuring:
Kenta Shimakawa - Guitar
Ewik - Tenor Saxophone
Yuki Atori - Bass
Hastune Hirakura - Piano
Hayato Yamazaki - Drums
Arranged by Kenta
Gnardeez (Nardis)
GDK (Green Dolphin St.)
Nugetsu (Ugetsu)
YouSeeBIGGIRL/T:T (Attack on Titan OST - Hiroyuki Sawano)
Originals
Oiseau (from Glimpse)
Glimpse (from Glimpse)
Arranged by Ewik
Before My Body is Dry (Kill La Kill)
CARAVANCORE (Caravan)
Originals by Ewik
Touhou-poi
KENNYCORE
2024 - BRECKERCORE
The beginning of a collaborative DJAZZ experience with Ewik.
Comp. Ewik
Tenor Saxophone - Ewik
Guitar - Kenta