CODE is the coming together of three nationalities, five different walks of life, a plethora of musical experience, and an incalculable passion and love for the music they make. CODE's diverse make-up is as almost as unique as the locale in which they met. In the fall of 2001, in the small fishing city of Numazu, Japan, CODE began its musical journey. Guitarist/vocalist/Songwriter Jason Block had been living in the city for several years and had been playing in the local music scene with long time friend, classically trained saxophonist Chris Kozak. The American and Canadian had been looking for just the right musicians to enhance their sound. This led to the formation and reformation of several bands over the years. In the spring of 2001, Chris and Jason met bassist Lee Tisdall-McPhee, another music school graduate who had recently moved to Japan from Toronto. Lee introduced them to an experienced rock guitarist, Jim Molloy (from the east coast of Canada) who had been living in a neighboring town for the past few years. One practice was all the four musicians needed to know that they had the potential to create some truly great music. Like their diverse backgrounds, the band's music is also a blend of funk, rock, pop, and blues, which could have presented a problem finding a drummer in such a small town. After changing so many members before the final culmination of members became fixed, Jason and Chris had played with several talented drummers, either self-taught or graduates of schools. Their first practice with Koichi Sugiyama abruptly ended their search. The 14-year drum veteran had played with some of the country's best, and had played at the biggest music festival in Japan, the Fuji Rock Festival. With the completion of their first, self-produced CD, Typical Day, the band has been vigorously promoting its music to potential fans - and winning them over in great numbers. They like to perform without pretenses, letting the music speak for itself. The bands' songs are as varied and complex as human emotions, the basis of lead vocalist Jason Block's writing. CODE is a live band, happiest on stage with instruments in hand in front of a writhing, cheering audience. The energy of the fans drives them, and the potential for an unforgettable concert is always in the air. Satisfied, but never complacent, CODE strives to continuously better themselves, their audience, and the music they make. Jason Block (Lead Vocals, Guitar) jason@code-band.com Jason was born and raised in Boston where he received his BA in Chinese in 1997, around the same time he started playing guitar. Since moving to Japan and meeting Chris Kozak, the two have played together in several incarnations of CODE, playing at local festivals, clubs, and charity events. Jason's musical tastes range from John Scofield to Phish to Rage Against the Machine - all musicians that play with passion. His love of music and his knack for song writing gives CODE that special kind of energy and sound. Chris Kozak (Saxophone) chris@code-band.com Chris was born in 1973 in Edmonton, Canada, where he earned a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Alberta studying saxophone. While performing in various classical music ensembles, Chris also played in bands ranging in style from rock to lounge to freeform jazz. He moved to Japan in 1997 and continued performing with assorted bands until co-founding CODE in 2001. His influences include Medeski, Martin & Wood, John Zorn, Branford Marsalis, and King Crimson. Chris' saxophone adds a new dimension to the pop side of CODE, and his powerful solos are part of the core that drives the funk. Jim Molloy (Guitar, Backing Vocals) Jim's Irish roots followed his family to Newfoundland, Canada. He grew up around music and started playing a variety of instruments at a young age. Jim began playing in bands at 15 and quickly became a staple in the east coast music scene. He completed his BA in sociology and anthropology before moving to Japan in 1996. Jim's sense of harmony and his years of playing are immediately evident to anyone who has seen the band live or heard their records. Lee Tisdall-McPhee (Bass) Lee was born in the small town of Bar River, not far from Toronto. He began playing guitar from the age of 12 and took up the electric bass at 13. He completed his performance Degree at Cambrian College and continued to study double bass at the University of Toronto. Since moving to Japan with his wife in 1999, Lee has already played with the Kanagawa Symphony Orchestra and the Fuji Philharmonic Orchestra. His knowledge of music theory and his versatility on electric and double bass ensures that the CODE rhythm section is always much more than drums and bass. Koichi Sugiyama (Drums) Born in Japan, Koichi has had an extensive career in the music industry from a young age. He has made a living playing drums for some of Japans premier musicians as a studio musician for over a decade. As an often sought-after session drummer, he has played throughout the Tokyo/Yokohama area in numerous clubs, live music venues, and recording studios. He has been featured on several recordings and has the distinction of playing at Japan's famous Fuji Rock Festival. His rhythm, timing, and experience as well as his different cultural perspective truly add a unique element to the style and music of the band.