Expanding the Boundaries of Crossover Music

—Who are the performing artists this year?


The main draw this year is the visit of jazz legend Carlos Garnett. He is a true living legend, having performed with Miles Davis and Art Blakey. What's more, I've chosen five of his favorite tracks from his 70s albums for him to perform – an unbelievable lineup. It's been over 20 years since I first bought his work at a used record store in Osaka, and to finally see him live at TCJF, performing my selections... this is truly a dream come true. And there's an equally incredible story behind vocalist Bembé Segue, who will join him for the performance.

—What is that story?


She, a leading figure in London's club jazz and broken beat scene, was scheduled to visit Japan last March as a guest of the Japanese jazz band MASA SEXTET. However, the event was canceled after the earthquake, and she couldn't make it. We lost contact for a while, and then learned she had suffered a stroke and was fighting for her life. But she made a miraculous recovery, and her performance here is now confirmed. What's more, she has covered Carlos Garnett's songs twice before, with KYOTO JAZZ MASSIVE and on her solo work, so this meeting with the original artist is something she's long dreamed of. I believe they are the greatest headliners in TCJF history.

—It truly sounds like a dream lineup.


In addition, N'Dea Davenport, vocalist for THE BRAND NEW HEAVIES, will be featured as a vocalist in DJ KAWASAKI's PA LIVE set. And Kaoru Inoue, also known as CHARI CHARI, who thrilled the audience at last year's pre-party, will finally make his debut on the main stage at TCJF. DJ MITSU THE BEATS, who released a mix CD for the spiritual jazz label “BLACK JAZZ” this spring, also returns to TCJF after a long absence. Furthermore, Mountain Mocha Kilimanjaro, who delivered an outstanding performance at the FUJI ROCK FESTIVAL held recently, will also be appearing at TCJF for the first time! They are poised to challenge the international acts as representatives of Japan's live bands. With that said, a stellar lineup including Daisuke Kuroda, RYUHEI THE MAN, and CHAMP from the A.GROOVE scene will be assembled.



—Please tell us how to enjoy the pre-party and the main event.



This year's pre-party will be held at (marunouchi) HOUSE in the Shin-Marunouchi Building. The guests are DJ SARASA and DJ AYUMi. As a hip-hop house DJ and I, a jazz DJ, will be performing together, I hope to further expand the boundaries of crossover music. Both of them are very fashionable, so I'd like our guests to dress up as well. The lineup is particularly appealing to women this year, so it promises to be a glamorous and sophisticated party. For the main event, we've arranged combinations that can only be seen at TCJF. We're aiming for a quality experience that people will later say, 'I'm so glad I attended that TCJF.' While it might sound self-congratulatory, it's rare to find an event with such a seamless lineup where you won't want to miss a single performer.



—What is the theme for this year?



The resurrection of legends and the selection of emerging talent. Carlos Garnett will re-perform his 70s repertoire for TCJF and collaborate with Bembé Segue, who has returned from the brink of death. Additionally, by having rising artists like Mountain Mocha Kilimanjaro and BRISA perform at TCJF for the first time, we aim to bring in a fresh perspective. It's also been a while since Inoue-kun participated in the main TCJF event, so in a sense, that's also a return of a legend. He is a DJ I highly respect in Japan, and with his long career, he's already recognized as a legend in the DJ world, as is Daisuke Kuroda. On the other hand, DJ MITSU THE BEATS, RYUHEI THE MAN, and CHAMP represent the new generation. The coexistence of these two groups can be considered the theme.



—What are the highlights of this event?


Undoubtedly, Carlos Garnett's live performance. This is not just an opportunity to witness a jazz legend perform, but to witness a historic moment where jazz and club jazz merge. Carlos Garnett, after his collaborations with Miles and Art Blakey in the 70s, formed his own group and released a series of albums featuring danceable jazz, which are highly regarded by DJs as sacred texts of danceable jazz. It's quite an event that he will perform selected representative tracks from those albums with Japanese artists I've assembled. The lineup includes members from Japan's leading club jazz groups such as SLEEP WALKER, quasimode, and JAZZ COLLECTIVE. This collaboration, transcending generations and genres, is a must-see.



—Are there any artists you particularly favor or look forward to in the future?


Certainly, Mountain Mocha Kilimanjaro and BRISA. That's why I booked them (laughs). Mountain Mocha Kilimanjaro wasn't just picked because they're a notable up-and-coming funk band. In fact, they organize a monthly session event at The Room in Shibuya, which I produce, and they are crucial in expanding the network of young musicians. BRISA, on the other hand, has produced excellent new material and is currently being pushed by the Okino brothers, making their selection well-deserved.



—What elements do you feel are needed in Japan's music scene going forward?



I believe it's about improving quality and adopting global standards. Even artists popular in Japan are not recognized internationally, not due to language barriers, but due to a lack of quality. Imitating Western music or pursuing immediate commercial success leads to a decline in musical quality and reduces the number of music fans. Furthermore, by looking towards the world, possibilities can expand. While genres like club jazz may be niche domestically, they have enthusiasts and networks worldwide. I believe those who compromise musically and head in directions with uncertain commercial viability will self-destruct. By raising the bar in terms of vocal ability, song composition, and originality, we can naturally create music that gains global attention.



—What are your future aspirations for TCJF?


By allowing me to select the repertoire for Carlos Garnett's performance, I hope to continue the "Selected by SHUYA OKINO" concept. As I mentioned in an interview last year, rather than following outdoor festivals, I want to establish our own unique position. Not only in the selection of artists, but also in the choice of venue and interior design, I want to reflect my worldview. I aim for an event that attracts people who value interior design, architecture, and aesthetics. In other words, I intend to cultivate TCJF into what could be called a lifestyle festival.



—Finally, do you have a message for our readers?



While the quintessential festival experience is outdoors and casual, TCJF proposes a more sophisticated, dressed-up enjoyment. Adults appreciating high-quality music. And isn't it wonderful to let loose and dance at the same time? We await you with a lineup you won't find anywhere else. If you're interested, please come and join us.

“The Beetle Presents Tokyo Crossover/Jazz Festival 2012 Pre-party”

Date & Time | Friday, August 24th, 8:00 PM - 12:00 AM

DJs | Shuya Okino (Kyoto Jazz Massive), DJ SARASA, DJ AYUMI, DJ KAWASAKI, and others

Venue | Marunouchi House (Shin-Marunouchi Bldg. 7F, 1-5-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku)

Admission Free

http://www.marunouchi-house.com/


“The Beetle Presents Tokyo Crossover/Jazz Festival 2012”


The Nation's Only Club Jazz & Crossover Music Festival, Committed to Global Standards

“Tokyo Crossover/Jazz Festival” to be Held for the 9th Time!



Connecting Past and Future to the Present, Transcending All Generations, Eras, Borders, and Genres

Witness the Deepening and Growth of Urban Music Festivals!!





This year again, artists at the peak of their game will gather from the realms of spiritual jazz, club jazz, crossover music, hip-hop, house, disco,

and rare groove – all soulful and peaceful music genres.


TCJF enters its second year at its new venue, Ebisu The Garden Hall.

An exquisite and rare night for discerning adult music lovers returns.

Date & Time | Saturday, September 29th

Open / Start: 6:00 PM

Advance | Standing ¥4,500 / Ticket with Reserved Seating (Limited 120 seats) ¥5,500

Door | ¥5,000

Venue | The Garden Hall (within Ebisu Garden Place)


www.tokyocrossoverjazzfestival.jp