An Event Exploring the Possibilities of Crossover Music

──Who are the performing artists this time?



For the pre-party, I've booked DJ Kaoru Inoue, whom I most respect in Japan. He also performed at the main event in 2008. His selections, which span from techno to ethnic music, are indispensable for the evolution of TCJF.
I've also chosen the young female DJ ARETHA; her deep funk, contrasted with her appearance, should be quite impactful. TCJF regular DJ KAWASAKI will be spinning not only at the main event but also at the pre-party.



The highlight of the main event is the first solo live performance by Detroit-based vocalist Paul Randolph. He has performed in Japan as a guest for Moodymann and Jazzanova, and he will be singing past hit collaborations exclusively for TCJF. Also, don't miss Ezel, a rising star in the house scene making his debut in Japan. From the HIP HOP scene, MURO will be participating for the first time. If I may say so myself, I will also be performing a live set, playing songs from my album "DESTINY" with a live band. Additionally, the president of Soil & "Pimp" Sessions, who just released an album, will present a DJ set. The mysterious female DJ, DJ 33QUEEN, the secret weapon of the production collective "JAZZY SPORT," TEAM NICE DREAMS, and the funk master Daisuke Kuroda will all be appearing – a truly stellar lineup.



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



The pre-party is free admission, so I hope people who haven't been to TCJF before, or those looking for a casual enjoyment after work, will come. The aim is to build anticipation for the main event. The main event will feature live sets that can only be experienced at TCJF, so it can be enjoyed as a full-fledged concert, and with various DJs playing, it can also be enjoyed as a showcase.

Shuya Okino

Ezel, a rising star in the house scene making his debut in Japan

──What is the main theme for this year?



It's the expansion of the boundaries of club jazz/crossover music. By booking DJs and artists from other genres such as Detroit techno, deep house, hip hop, and rare groove, the theme is to explore the possibilities of club jazz/crossover music, which is defined as an umbrella term for danceable jazz and dance music influenced by jazz.



──What are the highlights of this year's event?



I'd say the vocalists featured in my live set. NAVASHA DAYA and DIVINITI as the top two are formidable. I'm confident they can excite the audience with their overwhelming power.



──Looking back at the past eight events, are there any memorable episodes?



It was gratifying when Gilles Peterson (who performed in 2008), a global leader in the club jazz scene, praised it, saying, "There's no other event like this!" He's also the person who coined the name KYOTO JAZZ MASSIVE, and this was the first time in my DJ career that I booked him for my own event. Also, I can't forget that in 2009, coinciding with my 20th anniversary as a DJ, Kiyoshi Kikuchi and N'DEA DAVENPORT of THE BRAND NEW HEAVIES came to celebrate. The funniest moment was in 2005 during a KYOTO JAZZ MASSIVE live set when vocalist BEMBE SEGUE was called out but didn't appear. Apparently, she forgot her cue and was drinking wine in the dressing room. She eventually came out shyly while I was MCing (laughs).

Detroit-based vocalist Paul Randolph

DJ Kaoru Inoue, whom Okino respects the most in Japan

──Could you tell us about the thoughts and circumstances that led you to start TCJF in the first place?



Ten years ago, I was invited to the FUTURE JAZZ FESTIVAL in Croatia. At that time, Croatia had only been at peace for about 10 years since the end of its civil war, but 3,000 people gathered over two days in the capital, Zagreb, with jazz artists and DJs converging. I thought, "This should have already been happening in Tokyo?" That was the trigger.



──How has TCJF evolved?



Initially, it was like a gathering for friends once a year! But for the past five years, it has become established as a major event. While expanding its scale in terms of audience size is important, I believe the greatest evolution of TCJF has been in broadening the conceptual scope of club jazz/crossover music.



──What are your future prospects for TCJF?



Starting this year, we are shifting our direction to target a more mature audience. There are many other festivals that offer just a lively atmosphere or a vacation feel, so we want to differentiate ourselves. I believe there are more adults who "want to dance and listen" now than when I first started TCJF. It's been 20 years since I opened THE ROOM, and we already have about 700,000 graduates (laughs). In the future, I want to continue trying bookings that can only be seen at TCJF. In addition to fusion with other genres, I aim to create a lineup that transcends generations by featuring legends. Furthermore, to satisfy those interested in culture in general, not just music – precisely the readers of OPENERS – I want to continue developing TCJF into an even better event. In the future, I'd like to appeal to people interested in design and interior design by holding events in hotels or choosing architectural venues like the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building or Yoyogi National Gymnasium. While considering expanding the scale, I will strive to make it a place that people will travel to from across the country and overseas to enjoy a one-of-a-kind content.



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



Please come and join us. We're aiming for a festival where you can dress up, so we need the cooperation of all OPENERS readers!




"The Beetle Presents Tokyo Crossover/Jazz Festival 2011 Pre-Party"

October 28th (Friday) 8:00 PM - 1:00 AM

DJs: Shuya Okino (Kyoto Jazz Massive), Kaoru Inoue (seeds and ground), DJ KAWASAKI, ARETHA

Free Admission

Venue: Marunouchi House (Shin-Marunouchi Building 7F, 1-5-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku)

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




"The Beetle Presents Tokyo Crossover/Jazz Festival 2011"

TCJF continues to evolve, embracing everything from Detroit techno and deep house to hip hop and rare groove.
An urban music festival for adults is making its debut and launching a new phase at Ebisu Garden Hall!!



TCJF is renewed, moving to The Garden Hall in Ebisu.

Easily accessible. Limited reserved seating available. Ends at midnight.

Enjoy high-quality music in a luxurious setting.



December 16th (Friday) 6:00 PM - 12:00 AM

Advance: Standing ¥4,500 / Ticket with reserved seat (limited to 120 seats) ¥5,500

Door: 5,000 yen

Venue: The Garden Hall (Ebisu)



Details here

www.tokyocrossoverjazzfestival.jp