Yeah, those were the days. I highly doubt about Japanese audiences today, though.

@@jimtakahashi4638 jazz is still very popular in Japan, esp. in the major cities. The biggest difference between today and the past is there are a number of Japanese jazz musicians being supported by Japanese audiences. It used to be that jazz musicians (like Sakamoto) yearned to come to New York. Now they have plenty of support at home. American and European jazz artists still head to Japan - but with so many more home grown artists there aren't as many open dates or quite the demand for foreigners (although the big names still draw)

@@jamesrawlins735: Thanks for your upbeat reply. _ I was born and brought up in Tokyo and lived in Kobe for years before moving to NZ, so I know what you mean. _ Yes, there have been quite a few world class jazz musicians from JPN, including Makoto Ozone from Kobe. I was pleasantly and sadly surprised a few years ago when I came to know about Ryo Fukui … what a great pianist and I even didn’t hear of his name when he was alive! _ I wish the same would happen here in NZ, but there aren’t many home-grown jazz musicians or many local jazz fans to support them. Actually, KZfaq has been my greatest source of music pleasure (blues and jazz). Cheers!

@@jimtakahashi4638 Yeah it does seem like a number of NZ jazz artists end up heading to Australia. There doesn't seem to be the support there once was, but still there are a number of talented Kiwis: Alan Broadbent, Miho Wada, Nathan Harris, Hayden Chisolm. I remember the last time I visited NZ I happened to be there for a jazz festival in Tauranga. The Wellington Jazz Orchestra was great, as was some big band, and I think I heard a talented pianist named Mike Nock (?). The crowds seemed pretty good sized, but I realize that was a festival.

@@jamesrawlins735: Again, you surprised me … you know quite a lot about the NZ jazz scene. I personally know a jazz guitarist who teaches at Christchurch Jazz School and got befriended with some of his students. Actually, the best student at the time according to the teacher was the one I talked to most often, and one day he said to me that he’d decided to move to JPN to pursue his ambition. I agreed that he’d have a better chance in JPN than in NZ and wished him luck. Among the Kiwi jazz musicians you mentioned, I only know Alan Broadbent. Miho Wada? I just learned she is originally from JPN and used to live in Christchurch! The best Kiwi musician IMO is Fiona Pears. Her musical base is classical and gypsy jazz, but she’s such a versatile and formidable improviser. When I first heard her play live about 15 years ago (quite by chance), I was like “Who’s the hell who can play Spain (Corea) so beautifully?” Since then, I’ve often been to her concerts and had a rather lengthy chat with her. As is otten the case with talented musicians, she’s been more active overseas. Ah~, you’ve visited NZ. Are you from US?

He's taken the whole bakery!

Profile picture checks out

Bro this is fire

I heard ... even with the grace note....lllol The lick in red garland block chords...lolol

that's the melody, genius

+Jazz Hog With a little alchohol, and alot of self-confidence. you can dance to just about anything.

tp=trumpet, p=piano, tb=trombone, as= alto sax, ts=tenor sax, b=bass, ds=drum set, cor=cornet

I can't stand Ralph Peterson. He is EVERYTHING Art Blakey wasn't! This would have been such a nice version if only Lewis Nash played drums. All the Art Blakey tribute concert have the best horns, piano and bass players but Peterson always messes it up!