Archive - Jazz of Japan

Yasumasa Kumagai: J-Straight Ahead

Jazz pianist Yasumasa Kumagai is on the leading edge of modern J Jazz.

Jan 30, 2018 •

Kohsuke Mine Quintet: Major to Minor

Kohsuke Mine Quintet’s 1993 album Major to Minor is full of life, a straight-ahead jazz outing built upon solid group unity and stimulating jazz…

Aug 19, 2020 •

Hara Dairiki Trio: You've Changed

The Hara Dairiki Trio creates a jubilant atmosphere on You’ve Changed, playing choice jazz standards from the bebop and straight-ahead jazz songbook.

Apr 12, 2018 •

Yasumasa Kumagai: Pray

Yasumasa Kumagai’s Pray (2010) is a stylishly straight ahead affair, a cool and groovy collection of the pianist’s original tunes which melds modern…

Sep 2, 2022 •

Junichiro Ohkuchi Trio: Invisible

Accomplished pianist Junichiro Ohkuchi leads a trio of solid veterans in the straight-ahead jazz tradition on his 2016 album Invisible. The trio works…

Mar 1 •

Wataru Hamasaki Meets Akane Matsumoto Trio: Big Catch

“Swing & Blues” is the name of the game with Big Catch’s jazz quartet album from 2013.

Aug 13, 2018 •

Yasumasa Kumagai & Ryu Kawamura: Ol’ School Jazz

In the style of classic apostrophe-bearing jazz album titles, pianist Yasumasa Kumagai and bassist Ryu Kawamura offer up Ol’ School Jazz, a collection…

Aug 30 •

Alfie jazz club, located near Roppongi station in Tokyo, Japan (website, map).

May 6, 2023 •

Kaori Vibes Quartet: Cross Point

Vibist Kaori Nakajima returns with her second album Cross Point featuring KVQ: Kaori Vibes Quartet (formerly Vangy!!), a jubilant combo with jazz…

Mar 23, 2018 •

Ayumi Koketsu: Art

Alto saxophonist Ayumi Koketsu released a sophisticated tribute to Art Pepper on her album Art from 2016.

Jan 30, 2018 •

Mayuko Katakura: Faith

Faith is the second album from Mayuko Katakura, an amazing jazz pianist with an impeccable touch that echoes jazz piano legends.

Feb 13, 2018 •

Taihei Asakawa Trio: Touch of Winter

Taihei Asakawa’s beautiful Touch of Winter from 2013 is a contemplative jazz album rooted in calm emotion: Memory, melancholy, and rebirth combine to…

Oct 1, 2018 •

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