Blues & Jazz · ブルース&ジャズ
A wee looksee into the music, mostly Blues and (a little of the) Jazz scene in Suginami-ku (my old haunt); yes, unfortunately you will have to venture outside the Yamanote Line, but I promise, it's worth it!
The Places
Tokyo's music mecca, home of Punk Rock and many festivals throughout the year, including its famous Awadori (August) and Street Festival (October)
Whilst you can always go to the Blue Note, the local vibe and local prices can be found around the many small live houses in Asagaya. Like Koenji it has many famous festivals - and Tanabata (August) and Jazz Streets (October)
The Venues
All these places are small (around 50~ people) making it super intimate and providing you a chance to get to know the regulars and artists:
This venue has just celebrated its 50th anniversary (opened 1975) and interestingly (or not as the case maybe) my daughter was commissioned to design the logo and branding (proud dad!). During the bubble there were many famous overseas visitors and you can see their signatures all over the walls. I love this place, many famous and upcoming Japanese artists play here. A must go venue, keep checking the schedule!
Hosts many different genres of music but mostly Blues and Jazz, the owner does magic tricks during the interval!
Super small, but has a lot of local musicians and open mic style jams. Its size only makes for even more energy!
Active and up-to-date, covering many venues.
There are many, many more I have been to and not been to, all across Tokyo. I tend to follow artists and go wherever they show up, but having said that Jirokichi is one of the best and I usually hit it at least 2 times a month!
The Artists
These are the main artists I follow, and through them I encounter many more as they all play both as band members as well as independently; everyone has multiple side-gigs!
Blues The Butcher
Play monthly in Jirokichi as a group (a collection of Japanese "GOATS" in their respective instruments) and individually they have various independent events.
- Hotoke - Vocal and guitar, with a long history in the music scene in Japan. Played in a famous group called "West Road Blues Band" from the 70s. Very distinctive voice and guitar playing style.
- Kotez - One of Japan's top harmonica players, full of energy, full to listen and watch
- Numazawa san - Is just amazing as a drummer, and you got to check out his face as he plays! Works with many famous local and overseas musicians, even plays with a traditional Japanese (Ainu) band!
Note - The band does not have a website, so follow Kotez for an up-to-date schedule
Close friend who spent a chunk of time in New Orleans and has played with the Neville Brothers at one point. An excellent guitarist, who organizes a "Muchaburi" session (in Jirokichi) on a regular basis bringing together independent artists under a common theme for the evening. It's always a high-energy event. Check out his bar as well, a lot of local musicians hang there.
An amazing blues pianist, who tours the US as well. Performs regularly at Bright Brown on her own, but also because of her US connections will tour locally with visiting overseas artists.
Don't play together that often, but I always go when I spot an event, Kenji is a great guitarist and the combo is tight.