Mick Karn with Richard Barbieri, Steve Jansen and Steve Wilson - Sleepers Awake live

My all time bass heroe and Mr. Cool Mick Karn together with his friends playing this beautiful song. The bass line is mindblowing and hypnotic. Listen to his amazing fretless Wal sound that I love so much. Mick is my Bass inspirator for a long time and it is a shame that he left our planet so early.
About JBK
Steve Jansen, Richard Barbieri and Mick Karn were formerly members of the group JAPAN. The group worked professionally from 1977-1983 during which period five studio albums were made and released world wide. They disbanded at the peak of the group's success following a final world tour in 1982, documented with a live video and double live album release in 1983.
The years following the breakup of JAPAN saw the members working separately, working together (in various configurations), and working with other artists on a large number of releases throughout the world.
In 1990, the original members of JAPAN reformed as RAIN TREE CROW, for a release on Virgin Records, titled "Rain Tree Crow".
Medium Productions was formed in 1993 to allow Jansen, Barbieri and Karn to write and release material independent of major label restrictions and concerns. The first release is a compilation with artists that the trio have been involved with over the years and some whose works have been unrecognised by the major labels. Future releases will see more collaborations and soon, individual projects will be featured as well but without Mick.
Mick contributionS
As JAPAN:
Adolescent Sex (1977, Hansa Records)
Obscure Alternatives (1978, Hansa Records)
Quiet Life (1979, Hansa Records)
Gentleman Take Polaroids (1980, Virgin Records)
Tin Drum (1981, Virgin Records)
Assemblage (compilation) (1981, Hansa Records)
Oil on Canvas (live album) (1983, Virgin)
Exorcising Ghosts (compilation) (1984, Virgin)
Souvenir From Japan (compilation) (1989, Hansa Records)
The Other Side of Japan (compilation) (1991, Receiver Records)
As RAIN TREE CROW:
Rain Tree Crow (1991, Virgin Records)
JANSEN / BARBIERI:
Worlds In A Small Room (1985, Pan East, [UK] JVC Victor, [Japan])
Stories Across Borders (1991, Venture Records)
as THE DOLPHIN BROTHERS:
Catch The Fall (1987, Virgin Records)
Face To Face (Japanese T.V.C.M. 7"single) (1987, Virgin)
MICK KARN:
Titles (1982, Virgin Records)
Midge Ure/Mick Karn- After A Fashion (single) (1983, Chrysalis)
Dalis Car - The Waking Hour (1984, Paradox Records)
Dreams Of Reason Produce Monsters (1987, Virgin Records)
Bestial Cluster (1993, Karakter Records)
JANSEN / KARN / BARBIERI:
Beginning To Melt (Medium Series Volume 1) (1993, Medium)
Seed (1994, Medium)

[@stevemckenna2401]

Jansen Karn & Barbieri three of the most underrated musicians ever. Mick Karn was a beautiful guy and the most incredible bass player. R.I.P. Mick.

[@alessandroosandrini7090]

Grande Mick

[@ruthwegner1984]

I hear and See them just now at this moment on Duth tv. I am blown away, wow 🤩

[@drewaitchison3521]

Underrated? By whom?

[@hifibrony]

I've played bass since 1972. Mick's style was unique and completely impossible to copy. One of the true greats.

[@DanHunterSportsWriter]

Now this is what prog-rock SHOULD sound like. Mick Karn, fucking genius. RIP brother.

[@rachelar]

I bought their records until they went prog rock 😴

[@darrenwells2277]

Mick Karn.... that guy could get a bass sound like no other. The Fretless Legend! RIP

[@Mao-max454]

Mick Karn & Steve Jansen Special !!!

[@dolhijn]

These are not underrated musicians but very accomplished ones

[@a51stef]

Yes I know.

[@briananderson1290]

Yes I loved JAPAN in my youth. My eldest son then introduced me a few years back to Porcupine Tree then Steve Wilson. It was awesome to become aware of the link and evolution of one from the other.

[@grannysgonerabid7425]

There's a reason no one ever says "oh yeah, he sounds like Mick Karn." You can't. Much like John Entwistle you simply can't replicate his sound.

[@reneglw]

Pino Palodine, had a good try with Paul Young, rememeber that?

[@musicandfilms9956]

@@reneglw Palladino, also worked with Numan and many others. A fine player in his own right.

[@synthonaplinth5980]

Percy Jones also used a Wal but their styles were totally different.

[@jonathanwhite5640]

There is a young Japanese man ,who defiantly does,he is unbelievable.

[@DaveLennonCopeland]

Fantastic group of musicians! Mick is one of my all-time favourite bass players.

[@stratanes2218]

Amazing. Post Modern Japan. Who knew.

[@kronossonork6994]

Something truly mesmerizing about that fretless bass. Echoes of Ozric Tentacles. RIP Mick Karn

[@mercatorpsi]

Mick makes it look so easy. Dammit, he needed to keep making music longer than he had time for. RIP Mick.

[@philsmythnoises3111]

A totally original bass playing genius.. no one sounds or plays like Mick!!

[@AlanizMorizzette]

Phil Smyth noises# agree!!!

[@marcusburmingham7967]

My sister and best friend. Mick and David used to go to party's. Mick was cool. David was a knob.

[@ricardoricardo]

The end of Japan, the beginning of Porcupine Tree.

[@a51stef]

+Ricardo Saint Augustine PPT is also great but Japan is (was) extra special because of Mick!

[@Jimmy-1867]

new to internet at 54 years loved Japan in my teens rip Mick karn talk base with my other hero Lemmy

[@Jimmy-1867]

new to internet at 54 years loved Japan in my teens rip Mick karn talk base with my other hero Lemmy

[@Jimmy-1867]

new to internet at 54 years loved Japan in my teens rip Mick karn talk base with my other hero Lemmy

[@wimmie1873]

how about jaco pastorious

[@kentborges5114]

MUSIC FROM A DIFFERENT REALM...Love it !!!

[@keschgelb]

This groove is just unbelieveable! I wish so much, i would have seen this band live. R.i.P Mick

[@a51stef]

+keschgelb Yep!

[@EnzoFerenczyo]

Man that bass player got some tone and groove, wish I could find one. Long time PT fan and so happy to hear what seems to be the genesis of PT.

[@hunterthompson2206]

Steve Wilson fits right in with the other guys (who have quite a history together). There's an interesting relationship between prog rockers and the New Romantic/pop/new wave scene - here, Robert Fripp playing with David Sylvain, Alan Holdworth playing with Level 42, Adrian Belew with Talking Heads, etc. I would have shit a golden brick if I'd seen this show live. What a groove!

[@HectorLopez-ct3kq]

The Evolution in the sound of Japan is so Interesting from Glam rock to prog rock btw pop, new wave and electronic !

[@Reprodestruxion]

Art rock =/= progressive

[@rachelar]

Adrian Belew is unique and not really a trad prog rocker. I don't like Prog or when it starts to invade electronic music

[@rachelar]

​@@HectorLopez-ct3kqI like Japan. I hate prog rock. Japan the band were never prog. Ditto Sylvian except The First Day compromise (says Holger Czukay)

[@rogercardenas111]

Man ,just the love the sound of the fretless Wal bass. Mick Karn , amazing bassist. Great musicians taking us on a musical journey.🎸🤓🤠👍😎👏😷👁️👀👀👁️

[@andreacummins1271]

Mick Karn, what a beast on the fretless... I was born a good few years after Japan had dissolved (the first time) and only started listening to them just before Mick Karn died. How are Japan not waaay more known? How was Mick Karn not one of the most well-known bassists ever? How is Still Life in Mobile Homes an obscure album track?!

[@a51stef]

+Andrea Cummins Mick was not a flashy marketing driven performer. Only loved music and play. He is well-known for people who love beautifull bass lines!

[@gaycha6589]

Japan did have a hit or two back in their day

[@theelaavar]

I've lived all over the USA, and only met two people who have even heard of Japan!! One of them had never actually heard any of their music. I was truly born in the wrong country!! 🖖

[@m.pilarojedaferenus2061]

@@theelaavar Unfortunately, you couldn't get their first 3 records here because their record label, Hansa, never released them here (it took until they were with Virgin to see their records in the states, but they also weren't on Mtv here, which was a good marketing vehicle in those days (YT is like my Mtv now). They only toured here once early on on a few dates, but David kinda freaked because the US is such a big important market so they cut it very short (not that I think other markets are less important, but like it or not, if you make it in the US you've made it, & like it or not, this is where the money is made). They actually did best in Japan, & talked about doing a lot of concerts there because they were so well liked. The last few records they got more popular in the UK. I grew up in the western US, & lived in Denver when I first heard of Japan & saw David's face on a teeny bopper magazine, most likely. I remember Duran Duran talking about how they were big fans of theirs & of course Nick Rhodes admittedly copied David's look. Again, you couldn't get ahold of their first records here, & the internet has made it a lot easier to listen to any kind of music you like. On a whim last Sept., I decided to listen to them (saw the Quiet Life video here on YT), & absolutely loved all their music. I've been listening the music they've all made since too. Behind those pretty boy looks was some real talent & technical musicianship which has continued to this day). It's really sad about Mick. I read an interview recently where Steve talked about how gutted he was because they were very close friends over the years, & how much fun they always had together during the Japan days (good friends are hard to come by, after all).

[@alexandermccarthy]

Mostly because artistry is seldom rewarded, and true talent has been supplanted by manufactured celebrity. Gone too soon Mr. Karn.

[@twistywillow]

My god that was phenomenal... wow... Karn... one of the best, gone far too soon.

[@Thewestslope]

I am just blown away at how good this sounds on subsequent listens. Of all of Steven Wilson's earlier music, I like this collaboration with JBK the best. Yes, Karn is astounding but so are Jansen and Barbieri. Would love to see a re-release of JBK's material perhaps with a Steven Wilson re-mix.

[@jonathanwhite5640]

How true,come on Steven!

[@abrarahmed1888]

Mick Karn had a unique right hand technique

[@EllisBowyerArt]

I miss Mick Karn

[@mattma96]

So sad that Mick Karn left us too soon & way too early. R.I.P. Mick~

[@oscarmendieta6244]

I never get bored of this. What an enigmatic piece.

[@greatwhite61967]

In my humble opinion 1 of thee best progressive Power Trio's in one band... Steve & Mick were & still are on of the best unique rhythm sections within a band , that I've ever heard... The old saying of " Less , Is More " was truly meant for JBK & all those guys who would go on to contribute on many collaborative works... With respect but I still think Mick has the longest fingers I've seen but boy does he put them to great us & please I respectfully say " Dont Mourn His Sad Passing " & rather enjoy the body of work he left behind & as long as there's 1 person who still knows any of Japan Band Names will never ever be truly gone , so go & celebrate his life , as he gave us all something so much more special with sculptures & music... I'll raise a glass to this attitude that sitting thinking " What IF " as we still have so much more fun memories that will make sure none of them including 1 of my favourite & completely unique fretless bass guitarists in Mick Karn... Do I miss you , Of Course , but let's remember the great things he left us all... In light of this still ongoing coronavirus and it's variants stay safe and healthy wherever you are in this world... Slainte .....

[@SoulRebel091]

Is this on an album, cd ? Mick Karn without doubt the main reason for me taking up playing bass, truly original sound and as relevant today, will never age or i should say will only sound better as time goes by, gone but never ever forgotten with the music he left behind, and the amount of people world wide who took to playing bass because of him, Thanks for everything Mick you are one of the best and a true inspiration.

[@faithhealer3154]

R. I. P. Mick Karn

[@Richcanvas]

Stunning.

[@diverdrew]

Really miss Mick' playing.....

[@paulhealey2984]

Would love to have seen this live.

[@katemurphy1915]

Thank you for the upload

[@belmac7102]

God I could go on and on. ... I've heard many say that the late 70s and early 80s was a shame..... I think that decade is historical! !! full of one hit wonders and musicians who played through passion and love for what they did!!!! Good night, god bless!!!!!!!!

[@fightpad]

I cannot stop listening to this.

[@paulburgess4954]

As much as I love JBK this is the track that made me aware of Steven Wilson. Feckin Genius. Respect guys for the collaboration, awesome!

[@rachelar]

It made me aware I don't like guitar in this genre

[@dawnangela4364]

LOVE LOVE LOVE!!!

[@MrThomas1958]

super wal sound !

[@liimis1]

Amazing.

[@19tet]

nice moosic

[@federicoboccignone7628]

Thank you to post it. Every Karn's bassline is magic. Pelle d'oca da Padova

[@r3ality1]

Wow... there's a deep track. I've always loved Mick's solo albums, and just got into Porcupine Tree (Wilson & Barbieri). Great groove on this track... it actually sounds like some of the PT stuff from around this time.

[@udomatthiasdrums5322]

still love it!!

[@sammy6176]

What a combo of great musicians!!!!❤

[@Baronchango]

Others worlds in small room 1987. Te falto ese...

[@morfi3395]

Eternal music. Mick Karn and Steve Jansen are respectively the best bass player and drummer/percussionist of all times....apart from their composing skills. Apart from the Dolphin Brothers as project, I appreciate all of their work, from their early Japan period until now. Fabulous and inspiring. Saw them live with David Sylvian. Unforgettable.

[@mariousui5432]

Great session! Japan was progressive!

[@alessandroalexander7543]

fantastic song

[@christinapeter1001]

Mhhhh yeah... Wonderful

[@jasonparr4275]

God Bless Mick Khan. He was a unique legend!!!

[@christinapeter1001]

One word...great!!!!!

[@machmachtune5892]

Stunning performance.

[@KACIARO]

Karn is god

[@icysurfer1]

Amazing.. Didn't know this existed. Several of my heroes here.. thanks..

[@Allusionary]

At the time of this post, the stats show that there have been only 358 views of this video. That is a sad comment on how a true "supergroup" can create such brilliant music and yet remain almost unknown (in the U.S.) due to not having sold out to the corporate machine. True, the music is cerebral, which doesn't appeal to many people, but it is also emotionally rich-- and technically brilliant. Long live Steve Jansen and Richard Barbieri (and Steve Wilson), and all hail the memory of Mick Karn.

[@TheRealHucasys]

Damn, damn, damn....

[@brad42948]

Just astonishing in every way. I saw JBK live around this time. How I miss the musicianship.

[@uwelyyoung2728]

So powerful tune ! Still amazing over 30 years !

[@tonygeorge9022]

That was out of this world thnx for posting rip mick

[@Keith1997d]

Mick Karn was one of the best bassists and I really like playing the songs he made with Japan, even though I'm a guitar player! I got to know him and Japan lately and casually, because here in Italy they are pretty unknown, but I like this kind of music and, therefore, they went immediately into my "favourites"!

[@afilicus]

Spettacolo........psichedelia pura.......con un grande Steven Wilson.......

[@kramsniggah4333]

What a stunning track! Two of my favorite artists plus an excellent drummer...

[@stelio2239]

Kram Sniggah "Plus an excellent drummer???????" Really?? Not just a drummer (excellent or otherwise). Have you heard SLOPE and all the other works??? Or are you just pissing in the wind? Kindest Regards

[@kramsniggah4333]

I have to admit to no!! Thanks for the heads up, it looks like I've got some catching up to do!!

[@kramsniggah4333]

thecatspajamasny Thanks, I was a big Japan fan and Love David Sylvian, a major plus is I'm a Richard Barberi fan as well!

[@badcatrosy]

The most excellent drummer!

[@gooddogbad]

!!! Awesome. How have I never heard this before? Must find out more.

[@mikefellows3901]

Stunningly beautiful sound

[@psycodromo64]

thank you @a51stef for your upload and your M.K. definition "my all time heoroe and Mr. Cool" simply beautiful! I'm seeing so many videos in this days..and yes! He was really Mr Cool!

[@amdby]

4 of my favourite musicians on stage, jamming nicely, but some direction lacking here, maybe. Steve w is the natural leader here, but was probably reluctant to tell his childhood heroes what to do.

[@kubincova]

メチャカッコイイ！　アイドルが本物になった！ミック・カーンはベースも凄いが、存在がアートだった。

[@antonioskoutsoyiannis5319]

Nearly a Japan concert. Mick Karn. RIP? No. No RIP. I want him Wandering In Despair, so he should be inspired to write his heavenly music and send it, through the rest of his friends, down to us. Tony, Thessaloniki, Greece.

[@belmac7102]

Absolutely magnificent....have often commented..and I will to do so..andonis.....the bass misses you...

[@ivankopyhuio9338]

SPLENDIDE !

[@kalebkant5444]

That Wilson dude is actually a really good guitar player. I wonder if he had any notable output after this... :-)

[@croatiangroyper5195]

Porcupine Tree... EDIT: oh, just realised the joke haha!

[@88omair]

On a serious note Steven has really been underappreciated as a guitarist

[@Reprodestruxion]

He’s better know for his remastering that’s why

[@Reprodestruxion]

Check out Mick Karn and David Torn , they had a similar affinity for Arabic , Persian and Turkish scales

[@seanpearce5809]

These guys built me.

[@davel.9467]

Pure genius!

[@faithhealer3154]

This is so Amazingly good...I would like to give something to have this in a best possible Quality!!

[@a51stef]

Check with Team Mick Karn on Facebook!

[@belmac7102]

they wanted to explore themselves! !! bravo

[@MCFCTrick]

Was lucky to see him many times with Japan...a genius to me...

[@deadpolitical]

I own that album, and I regularly visit Burning Shed. I was referring to this live recording.

[@BOSSBOFIAXX]

Thanks for sharing , amazing stuff!

[@chuckinator13]

Sweet

[@belmac7102]

The best Greek bass player....

[@dronespace]

Amazing

[@3rdshiftfornow]

Never heard Mick K. until recently - holy .... what a talent. Talk about your fluid bass lines WOW !! Wish I had gotten to see him live !! Honestly, I'm a huge music fan with an enormous collection and I've seen hundreds of live bands, but I have to say - MK is better than any I know !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@marcelocarcamocastro9591]

AMAZING !!!

[@kurtrh63]

Awesome! Very enjoyable!

[@patrickselden5747]

☝️😎

[@davedenisetigg]

brilliant!

[@dermotoblong]

This is just superb

[@vaciemoslaslatas1587]

Tremendos músicos! Que genialidad!!!

[@hobbit40plus]

Rewelacja! :-)

[@Danthehorse]

Totally agree mate!

[@d.leon.pedro.26]

Que Coisa mais loca!

[@yuimai4336]

i like it. big electric funk!

[@provoqueleftswitch3956]

もう１度だけで良いからミックの演奏を見たい。（涙）

[@spaps71]

Well, the original track was initially issued in 1995 under Medium Production, album "Stone To Flesh ", but as a Jansen/Barbieri one. Their label run for 11 years by Steve Jansen, Richard Barbieri and Mick Karn. Credit for the track is for keyboard player Richard Barbieri: Mick was not featured then, but yet here plays excellent variations of the original bass-synth riff. You can find it on major websites: don't pay more than 10 Euros even if it's deleted since long. ;)

[@kagakazunari]

素晴らしい！！！

[@piotrgrabowski5024]

bloody amazing ! So this is when SW met RB

[@moonloop6888]

Piotr Grabowski No, it's 1997 and SW met RB in 1992.

[@piotrgrabowski5024]

Moon Loop looks you're right. Japan 1997. RB's already done quite a few records with PT.

[@lebelge30]

Wilson is God

[@snesleywipessqueegeeservices]

💖

[@a51stef]

Snipe like Wesley!

[@monacofederico]

all the greatest leave our planet early...

[@jonathanroberts8981]

Wilson playing a little glissando guitar there.