Adult Music to Listen to This Autumn: Part 3

Jun Miyake / Stolen from strangers (Video Arts)

“Sharpened sound.”

This was my initial impression upon hearing Jun Miyake's new album, "Stolen from strangers."
I was captivated by the first track, "Alviverde," playing in the jazz section of a Shibuya CD shop. Excited, I asked a staff member, "Whose work is this?" To my delighted surprise, I learned it was by a Japanese artist I had long respected.

I first encountered him in the late 80s at "Bohemia," a now-defunct jazz club in Nishiazabu. He had been active since the energetic 80s as a jazz musician and creator, working across diverse fields from film to stage and TV commercials, always operating as what he himself calls an "outsider" through his unique expression. It was a pioneering spot, a precursor to the live restaurants and bars we know today, where DJs played jazz records and patrons enjoyed drinks while listening to regular live jazz performances.
Even then, he projected a distinct "light" from the stage, transcending the jazz genre. I recall the continuous "surprises" for my younger self, encompassing nostalgic Showa-era ballads, Latin rhythms, and even cabaret music.
It was a series of "surprises" for my younger self, encompassing nostalgic Showa-era ballads, Latin rhythms, and even cabaret music, all beyond the genre of jazz.

A few years later, when I became an artist and began creating my own work, I impulsively visited his home in Daikanyama and asked him to participate in a recording session under audacious terms. That session ultimately didn't materialize, but it remains a fond memory for both of us.

My reunion with him, who had continued his "outsider" activities after moving to Paris in recent years, came unexpectedly through his new "sound." He masterfully brought together a cast of remarkable artists—including Art Lindsay, Arthur H, Vinicius Cantuaria, and Dhafer Youssef, alongside his long-time friend Jimmy Murakawa (Satoshi Murakawa)—to create a cinematic score without a film.
The cover art, featuring visuals by graphic designer and film director Jan-Paul Goude, perhaps encapsulates the entire essence of this work.
What lies ahead for Jun Miyake, who has created a borderless art with a multinational group? I am greatly looking forward to it.

SHARPENED SOUND

That's my first impression of listening to Jun Miyake's new album "Stolen from strangers." I heard the first track "Alviverde" at the Jazz section of a CD shop in Shibuya.
I was attracted immediately and asked to who this music belongs to. I was surprised to hear that it was from a Japanese artist and also one of the artist I respected for a long time.

As a Jazz musician from the 80's when energy was flowing, he was already in the front line as a creator making music for films, acts, TV commercials. I met him at the end of 80's at Jazz Club called Bohemia in Nishiazabu. It was a place where you can enjoy DJs playing Jazz and live music while drinking; it was rare to have a place like that at that time. I saw his stage and he had a different aura from other bands. His music was
always full of surprise for a young kid like me; it was sometimes nostalgic Japanese old pops, or Latin, or Cabaret music, always different genre but Jazz.

Few years later, when I became an artist and started creating music, I once rushed to his home in Daikanyama asking him to join our recording for almost nothing. (Unfortunately, that session didn't happen after all).

Now based in Paris, I re-encountered his "different element" move through his new sound. Collaborating with artists like Art Lindsay, Arthur H, Vinicius Cantuaria, Dhafer Youssef to his old buddy Jimmy Murakawa (Satoshi Murakawa), he created a soundtrack without the film.

Graphic designer and film director Jan Paul Goude's visuals on the album cover art represent the album. With its multi-national groove, Jun Miyake created a multi-national art. Now stepping forward, what lies next in front of him? I look forward to see the answer.

Artist
http://www.junmiyake.com

Label
http://www.videoartsmusic.com

Listen
iTunes Store