Comments from John Payne

Reflections on the 2007 Japanese tour

Having not played a full band concert in Japan for 13 years, I did not know fully what to expect. I knew it was a new start and a new band but I was to be playing music I loved and believed in so that was most important. I also knew that GPS had to grow as band and this was our first but important venture into Japan.

We are a very passionate band and very pleased to be asked to play in Japan.
The first show in Osaka was at a small but friendly club called "CLAPPER". In fact this was Ryo's home town and our warm up concert. The crowd were very responsive and although it was a small club stage, it was great fun for us.

On the train ride back to Tokyo, we dissected the concert and decided the order of songs for the Tokyo concert. We liked the venue. However a couple of songs into the set, my bass amp packed up! I had to stop the band mid songs, something I had never done in 25 years on stage! I turned to Guthrie and Ryo and they started playing jazz and even the "Girl from Ipanema" and saved the day. Sadly later in the set I had to stop again due to my bass head being hit and changing my tuning.

This all sounds like a disaster, but amazingly it wasn't. ① it gave the crowd another 10 minutes addition to the set and ② it showed the depth of the guys I am honoured to play with.
As a band we had a great time, it was a great pleasure to play here again. I don't think I have ever played with better musicians and it is superb to be singing in a band where I am the original singer!

To Japanese Fans

On behalf of Jay, Guthrie and Ryo and myself, would like to thank all the people that came to our concerts. During technical problems, I have never know a crowd support the band so well with the enthusiasm for the "GPS JAZZ TRIO" section.

Also I would ask listeners of Rock/Prog Rock/Jazz Rock and Heavy metal to lend GPS an ear because they might find something they like. We love music profoundly and perhaps we can generate some emotion in you. This is our existence, our reason and our life.

Thank you for everything. See you soon.

John Payne