A Stage Full of Firsts

──First, could you share your impressions of this year's Tokyo Crossover/Jazz Festival (hereafter TCJF)?

I'm glad it concluded safely, blessed with good weather and no incidents. I thought changing the venue and time might affect attendance, but it was completely full. Considering the event was in jeopardy due to the earthquake's impact, I believe it was a great success. Not giving up and persevering has given us great confidence to continue the event beyond 2012, in the sense that our ideals have become a reality.



──Were there any particular performances or acts that stood out to you?

This year featured many firsts, but I am particularly proud that PAUL RANDOLPH's live performance under his own name was realized. He has an overwhelming presence, having been featured by Detroit techno giants like CARL CRAIG and MOODYMANN. The fact that REBEL 7, a band Japan is proud of, supported him also became a hot topic among international DJs. Furthermore, Ezel, making his first visit to Japan, built anticipation from his performance on Dommune the previous day. MURO also made an impression by playing dance music influenced by jazz in his own style, exciting the venue.



──This year, you moved the venue to Ebisu The Garden Hall to clearly emphasize the festival's original concept of "an urban music festival for adults." What were your impressions of the audience?

The audience was the "adult crowd" we aimed for, but age is irrelevant when it comes to enjoying music. They were dancing, cheering, raising their hands... However, I thought their manners were excellent. In that sense, perhaps both adults who haven't forgotten their childlike spirit and mature-looking young people gathered. They must all be genuine fans of the crossover/club jazz I propose. It's incredibly gratifying that TCJF is thriving in a country where J-POP and rock are mainstream.

Passion of the Organizers is Key

──What about the venue itself?

This is my second time holding an event at Ebisu Garden Hall, and it makes me nervous. Both in terms of its prestige and cost (laughs). It was good that the location was convenient and we could showcase the evolution of TCJF. If there are any issues, it would be the internal flow of people... That's not a problem with the venue itself, but rather with how we use it. The first time was simply as a live venue, and this was the first time in a festival format. I hope to improve that aspect next time.



──TCJF has now reached its eighth installment. Looking back, how do you feel?

I feel fortunate to have been able to continue this far by specializing in the crossover/club jazz genre, without booking artists with widespread recognition. There were challenges with funding and the impact of the earthquake.

However, I've reaffirmed that ultimately, the passion of the people involved is what's most important. This isn't just about me; the dedication and efforts of the staff, as well as the cheers of the fans, are a great driving force for continuing the event.

While it's true that my vision dictates the direction, this event wouldn't be possible with just me. In that sense, I am very grateful to the staff and all the fans. I feel that the biggest significance of reaching the eighth year is demonstrating that ideas can take shape through collective effort.



──Finally, could you tell us about the future of TCJF?

Of course, I have ambitions to expand the scale, but at the same time, I strongly desire to nurture it into an event that is unparalleled worldwide. Even when inviting legends, I want to be the one to decide the setlist (laughs), and I want to book live acts and DJs that can't be seen anywhere else. I also want to be particular about venue selection and dress codes. I don't think the direction I'm aiming for is "festival = outdoors" (though I like outdoors) or "festival = outdoor fashion" (though it's become stylish). I want to cultivate a festival where attendees think, "Okino's ideas are truly unique," rather than just being surprised.

CAST

[Main Floor]
Live |
Paul Randolph [USA]Detroit
Shuya Okino(Kyoto Jazz Massive)Live SetClub Jazz/Crossover
feat.Navasha Daya(Fertile Ground) [USA],Diviniti[USA],Motoharu(SOIL&"PIMP"SESSIONS),Takahiro "matzz" Matsuoka(quasimode),Kenichi Ikeda(ROOT SOUL)
DJ |
Ezel[Dominican Republic] Deep House
MURO(KING OF DIGGIN') Hip hop
Yoshihiro Okino(Kyoto Jazz Massive/ Especial Records) Club Jazz/Crossover
Team Nice Dreams( Masaya Fantasista & Wassupski ) (Jazzy Sport) Crossover

[Lounge Floor]
DJ |
Daisuke Kuroda(Kickin’) Rare Groove
Shacho(SOIL&"PIMP"SESSIONS) Club Jazz
DJ KAWASAKIHouse
Tsuyoshi Sato(Black Edition) Crossover
DJ 33 Queen & Yukari BBCrossover
CHAMP(YOSUKE TOMINAGA,OIBON,Hiroko Otsuka) Funky Jazzy Music
endo nao(El Amor) House
VJ | VJ HAJIME

Shuya Okino Live Set list@TCJF2011 12/16 Fri Ebisu Garden Hall
1. STILL IN LOVE (Navasha)
2. LOVE AND LIVE (Navasha)
3. SUN WILL RISE (Boogie Mix) (Diviniti)
4. TAKE A LOOK AT YOURSELF (Diviniti)
5. SHINE (Pirahnahead DJ radio Edit) (Diviniti)
6. DESTINY (MdCL VS KJM REMIX) (Navasha)
7. LOOK AHEAD (Shuya Okino Re-Edit) (Navasha)
Encore. THANK YOU (Danny Krivit Edit) (Navasha)
(60min)

Member |
1. Shuya Okino (MC/2nd Key)
2. Navasha Daya (Vo)
3. Diviniti (Vo)
4. Motoharu (SOIL&PIMP SESSIONS) (Sax) *M-3
5. Kenichi Ikeda (ROOT SOUL) (Bass)
6. Shota Hishiyama (Key)
7. Nobuaki Fujii (SLEEP WALKER/MASA SEXTET) (Ds)
8. Takahiro "matzz" Matsuoka (quasimode) (Per)
9. Fire Lily (Cho)
10. Emiko Smile (Cho)
11. Takao Hirose (Tb) *M-5.6.7
12. Ken Kurihara (Sax) *M-5.6.7
13. Junki Yumoto (Tp) *M-5.6.7
14. Yukinori Inoue KB (G)

Tokyo Crossover/Jazz Festival
http://www.tokyocrossoverjazzfestival.jp/