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December 16, 2014
Feature | 55 Jazz Tracks for Your Morning, Selected by Connoisseurs - SPICE No. 3
Add a Jazz Spice to the Start of Your Day
Feature: 55 Morning Jazz Tracks Chosen by Connoisseurs!
On a cool, crisp morning, a song to transform your awakening into a delightful time. On a morning with a little extra time, a song to refresh your leisurely breakfast. A song to lighten your steps on your commute… This autumn, why not try some “morning jazz” to brighten the start of your day? Add a spice of jazz to your mornings too.
SPICE No.1 / 17 Tracks from the First Series Here
SPICE No.2 / 17 Tracks from the Second Series Here
This third installment introduces 21 morning jazz selections chosen by DJ Toshio Matsuura, Ryoko Oikawa from Daikanyama Tsutaya Books, Yusuke Hirado of Quasimode, Yoshiaki Sawano, owner of Sawano工房, radio MC/DJ Chris, Tomoaki Nakamura, proprietor of Bar Music, and music writer Naoko Shimada.
SPICE No.3 / 21 Tracks from the Third Series!
Selected by DJ Toshio Matsuura
On a Morning You Wake Up a Little Early… Music That Soaks into Your Mind and Body
From "Into The Sky"
Nick Rosen
"Ancestral Echoes"
This track from the 2010 debut album by Nick Rosen, a young bassist from Los Angeles who participates in Build An Ark, is a masterpiece. The combination of the piano's Asian-inspired theme and the strings creates a dreamlike beauty.
From "oneself - LIKENESS"
Quasimode
"1000 days for spirit"
This piece, from their 2006 debut, is spiritual jazz that evokes Pharaoh Sanders' "Astral Traveling," with a passion felt within its tranquility. Its brilliance remains undimmed by time.
From "Guiding Spirit"
Nat Birchall
"Keep The Light Shining"
This 2010 work by a jazz saxophonist based in Northern England, influenced by artists from John Coltrane to Tommy McCook (The Skatalites), features a floating saxophone melody that resonates comfortingly.
Toshio Matsuura(DJ)
Formed United Future Organization (U.F.O.) in 1990, laying the foundation for Japan's club culture. Released five full albums worldwide in 32 countries over 12 years, receiving critical acclaim. Since going independent in 2002, he has continued to DJ energetically at clubs and festivals globally. He has also remixed a wide range of artists from James Brown and Earth, Wind & Fire to Astor Piazzolla and Gotan Project, and curated compilations for fashion brands. Leveraging his sensibility and network cultivated on the world stage, he is also involved in event production, coordination, consulting, and artist management, drawing attention from various fields.
Currently airing on InterFM's "TOKYO MOON" (Sundays at 24:00).
http://openers.jp/culture/matsuura_toshio/index.html(Serial column "from TOKYO MOON")
http://t-matsuura.blog.openers.jp/(OPENERS BLOG updated)
http://www.toshiomatsuura.com/
Selected by Ryoko Oikawa, Jazz Concierge at Daikanyama Tsutaya Books
Light Jazz to Make Your Day Ahead Fun and Comfortable
From "Blue Moods"
Blue Mitchell
"I'll Close My Eyes"
A standard pop tune. The harmonious performance by Wynton Kelly (piano) and Blue Mitchell (trumpet) is perfect for a comfortable morning. You might even feel like skipping.
From "Return to Forever"Chick Corea
"What Game Shall We Play Today"
With electric piano, flute, vocals, and dynamic rhythm, it makes you feel like something fun is about to happen.
From "What's New"
Lars Jansson
"Hilda's Smile"An original composition by Lars Jansson, a leading European pianist. Hilda is his granddaughter. The tender and beautiful sound evokes a gentle day ahead.
Ryoko Oikawa(Jazz Concierge, Daikanyama Tsutaya Books)
The "Jazz Concierge" at Daikanyama Tsutaya Books, who also produces CD releases. A veteran with a quarter-century of experience in the jazz world, she has an extensive network of artists.
A live performance by Lars Jansson Trio, a leading European jazz pianist, will be held on Friday, November 9th, at "Anjin," the lounge on the 2nd floor of Building 2 at Daikanyama Tsutaya Books. Lars Jansson Trio's new album "KOAN" is dedicated to the many victims and survivors of the Great East Japan Earthquake. This live performance, made possible by various connections, will feature Lars Jansson's beautiful piano. For inquiries, please call 03-3770-2525 (Daikanyama Tsutaya Books Music Floor).
http://tsite.jp/daikanyama/
Selected by Yusuke Hirado, Leader of Quasimode
A Stimulant for the Senses to Make Your Morning Awakening Feel Its Best
From "California Shower"
Sadao Watanabe
"California Shower"Sadao-san's indescribably gentle and profound tone gently awakens the morning. It feels like it seeps into your body. Come on, get out of bed. Maybe take a shower.
From "People Time"
Stan Getz
"East of the Sun, West of the Moon"
Today looks like it's going to be busy… On days like these, make some coffee, calm your mind, and get to work. Listening to these two should double that calming effect.
From "Tristeza on Piano"
Oscar Peterson
"Triste"Alright, let's tackle the day! Peterson's incredible technique will surely get your mind racing faster!! Ready to go with full energy!!!
Yusuke Hirado(Leader of Quasimode)
Born to a father who ran a jazz cafe and a mother who was a classical piano teacher, he began playing piano at the age of four. Growing up listening to his father's extensive jazz record collection, he started performing as a jazz pianist in junior high school. During high school, he was selected for a top-level combo at the Manhattan School of Music's summer workshop in New York and won the outstanding performance award. After graduating, he moved to the US and studied jazz at The New School in New York, under the tutelage of Walter Bishop Jr. In 1995, he performed with Richard Davis (bass) and Winard Harper (drums) on a successful Japan tour. Upon returning to Japan after college, he formed Quasimode in Tokyo. Currently, he leads the band while actively performing live and recording at various jazz clubs.
http://quasimode.jp/
Selected by Yoshiaki Sawano, Owner of Sawano工房
Energy Source: Sounds That Gently Embrace the Fresh Morning Air
From "HEARTSTRINGS"
Arnaldo DeSouteiro Trio
"Elizete"
When you wake up in the morning, the sound flows as if to warmly embrace the serene space without disturbing it.
From "WATER MIRROR"
Manabu Oishi Piano Solo
"Water Mirror"
Waking up and opening the window. Fresh air fills the room. This piece is crafted to evoke that very image.
From "WITH A SONG IN MY HEART"
Tõnu Naissoo Trio
"Isn’t It Romantic"
The start of a new day. The buoyant sound gives you energy for the day ahead. It's a piece that fills you with vigor.
Yoshiaki Sawano(Owner, Sawano工房)
Originally a passionate audiophile, his journey into jazz began when he felt he had "listened to everything" available in Japan. He is the owner of "Sawano工房," a jazz label that reissues rare European imports and produces high-quality works, regardless of the musicians' fame. He approaches music from a fan's perspective, releasing comfortable jazz he has personally vetted, with meticulous attention to sound quality and jacket design. He is also the fourth-generation owner of a long-established footwear store in Shinsekai, Osaka, founded in 1913. One moment he is discerning jazz from around the world, the next he is rushing out to serve customers seeking footwear. He truly walks through Shinsekai today, juggling two very different worlds.
http://www.jazz-sawano.com/
Selected by Chris, Radio MC/DJ
Let's start the day with a smile and some cheer! Joyful Jazz That Brings a Big Smile
From "The Cape Verdean Blues"
Horace Silver
"The Cape Verdean Blues"
Hard bop that evokes a clear blue sky. This up-tempo number, incorporating Latin and Caribbean calypso music, is perfect for starting the day with energy while gazing at a beautiful blue sky.
From "Birth of the Cool"
Miles Davis
"Move"
A cool, masterful performance with a forward-looking atmosphere. An early bebop masterpiece with a driving rhythm. Listening to this coolness and intricate harmony will surely start your day with a smile!
From "Like Minds"
Pat Metheny
"Like Minds"A sound that creates a positive atmosphere. The groove, ensemble play, and expansive harmonies of this all-star quintet are exquisite, perfect for a refreshing holiday morning!
Chris(DJ, FM COCOLO "World Jazz Warehouse")
Originally from New York, the heart of jazz, he grew up listening to jazz and classical music, influenced by his jazz-loving father. He came to Japan in 1982, worked in language education, and then founded his own company in '85, serving as its representative director. He later became a DJ at FM COCOLO (76.5 MHz), following "Higashimaru Jazz Nights" which began in '99. He currently hosts "World Jazz Warehouse" (Sundays 22:00-24:00), the only jazz-specialty program produced within the Kansai FM station.
http://cocolo.jp/
Selected by Tomoaki Nakamura, Proprietor of Bar Music
Melodies That Dramatically Enhance Your Morning Scenery, Unfading Even with Daily Listening
From "The Dreamer"
José James
"The Dreamer"Waking up. A masterpiece that should be listened to for eternity, evoking the space between dreams and reality. His new album, set for release on the prestigious Blue Note label next January, is also absolutely superb.
From "The Umbrellas of Cherbourg - Legrand Plays Legrand"
Michel Legrand
"Hands of Time"
Breakfast. A beautiful theme composed by Michel Legrand in 1971 for the film "Brian's Song." His later rendition, played gently on solo piano, is deeply moving. Enjoy with aromatic coffee.
From "Eric Byrd Trio"
Eric Byrd
"A Wmc Autumn"Departure. A mellow ballad that evokes the crisp air of the city as winter approaches. It will surely make your everyday scenery just a little more dramatic.
Tomoaki Nakamura(Leader of MUSICAANOSSA / Proprietor of Bar Music)
As a DJ, curator, and music writer, he leads "Musica Nosa" and is the proprietor of "Bar Music" in Shibuya. He has released several compilation CDs from Universal, Victor, Inpartmaint, and King, and has also planned and supervised disc guides, providing selections for USEN and various FM radio stations. Recently, he wrote liner notes for the John Coltrane tribute compilation "Dear J.C." (Universal) and Benny Sings' "The Best Of Benny Sings" (Victor), as well as contributing to HMV's "Quiet Corner." He also curated and wrote the commentary for CALM's best album "Mellowdies for Memories" (Lastrum). He also served as manager of Shibuya's "Cafe Apres-Midi" for 10 years from its opening in 1999 to 2009. This winter, he is scheduled to release the compilation CD "Bar Music" from Disk Union.
http://www.musicaanossa.com
http://barmusic-coffee.blogspot.jp/
