Rovo is a psychedelic rock-jazz band founded in 1996 in Tokyo by former Boredoms guitarist Seiichi Yamamoto (山本精一), electric violinist Yuji Katsui (勝井祐二), and synthesizer/effects technician Tatsuki Masuko (益子樹), with Jin Harada (原田仁) on bass guitar, Hiroshi Nakanishi (中西宏司) on synths, and featuring two drummers/percussionists, the prolific Yasuhiro Yoshigaki (芳垣安洋) (of legendary improv noise group Ground-Zero) and Yoichi Okabe (岡部洋一).
As a vocal muse for Madlib’s creations, Dudley is unmatched; he’s earned first pick at Madlib’s prized beat collections. Just like Madvillain or Quasimoto, the Dudley/Madlib combination is a facet unto its own – on par with the most illustrious collaboration projects in Madlib’s catalog. His dynamic sophomore effort, entitled Expressions (2012 A.U.), takes an extended detour in the direction of Parliament’s Mothership Connection. The funk is strong this time around – as is the soul music that brought tears to the eyes of Dudley’s and Madlib’s aunts and uncles back in the golden days.