Kaho Nakamura’s set started with what seemed to be fairly cookie-cutter solo female pianist pop. It was good, but nothing you haven’t seen before. But then her full band joined in, weaving the songs into something more complex and unique. This is when things started to get interesting. However, it was when the group broke into scat driven synth funk that one realized Kaho Nakamura isn’t a one trick pony. Not by a long shot. You also immediacy realize how she was able to sell out Tokyo’s Liquidroom earlier this month. In short, her songs are interesting.

Even her more straight-ahead pop fare was elevated by the bordering on experimental synths and the supremely competent percussion. Unexpected rhythms and unusual synths wrapped around a catchy and accessible core. They definitely were at their strongest when they were at their most ambitious and genre-fractured, here’s hoping that this is the path Kaho chooses to follow from here on out.

Beyond the pure musicianship, the band looked like they were having a good time on stage. And the crowd looked like they were having a good time too. It was a perfectly pleasant opening to an eclectic weekend to come.