Series | Tatsuo Sunaga's Record Curation Style, Part 3: Tohoku Reconstruction Support Through Jazz and Alcohol
Series | Tatsuo Sunaga's Record Curation Style, Part 3
Tohoku Reconstruction Support Through Jazz and Alcohol
BILLY SPRAGUE "Summer Time"
FRANCES FAYE "Night and Day"
VICTER FELDMAN "Evening in Paris"
SUPERTRAMP "Goodbye Stranger"
For this third installment, we report on a charity event for Tohoku reconstruction support, hosted by Rui Yoshida, well-known for his popular program "Rui Yoshida's Bar Hopping," which introduces classic drinking establishments. In keeping with the theme of DJs and celebrities, who are friends of Mr. Sunaga, conveying their thoughts on reconstruction through music and alcohol, we present a gem unearthed in Fukushima.
Text by SUNAGA Tatsuo
An Opportunity to Confront a Reality That Has Not Yet Become the Past
On Sunday, September 4th, the charity event "Rui Yoshida and Friends Vol. 9" for Tohoku reconstruction support was held at Sasazuka Bowl. The words of poet and bar enthusiast Rui Yoshida, who is also the initiator, "We drinkers can do something too," were, of course, directed towards those affected by the Great Kanto-Tohoku Earthquake on March 11, 2011. We have continued to hold this event twice a year since then. I am involved as the general affairs manager, and what I feel most keenly is the fear of "fading memories."
One of the purposes of holding events like this is to return to that day once more and reflect on the reconstruction of Tohoku. All proceeds, after deducting expenses, are sent as donations. As it is a charity event, all performers participate without pay. Perhaps it's due to Mr. Yoshida's personality, but many companies have also agreed with the philosophy. Many snacks are also offered by bars and restaurants. Sushi is prepared on-site from Miura Fishing Port, almost like a dismantling show, and Utsunomiya Gyoza Association comes to Tokyo with their grilling station, serving over 2,000 dumplings.
All of these are events created by the collective efforts of many staff members, performers, and customers who come to support us with their admission fees, all to continue waving the flag for Tohoku reconstruction. This ninth event, which has also expanded its circle of support to Kumamoto, was attended by more customers than could fit inside, and we were able to successfully deliver a large amount of donations. There was a talk session led by Seiho Ito and Yoshifumi Arita, centered around Yoshiki Watanabe as the MC and Rui Yoshida. DJ sets were performed by a lineup that has long transcended genre boundaries, including Tomoyuki Tanaka (FPM), DJ MAYURI, and Yuhi Komiyama. The event concluded successfully with a packed program, including a live performance by the musical comedy trio Pokasuka Jan.
Coincidentally, just before this, I was invited to the anniversary party of Sendai Loop Cafe, a place I frequent. The next day, I made a stop at Little Bird in Fukushima, known for this establishment, and went digging. I bought a lot, mainly 7-inch records. Here is a part of the results.
(1) BILLY SPRAGUE/Summer Time (PHOTO)
This is a poignant standard, familiar with its minor chords, but somehow it sounds so upbeat! (laughs) The sonic pressure characteristic of 7-inch records and the bright high frequencies are particularly evident on American indie pressings. The B-side is a double-sider (meaning treated as a double A-side) of Mambo Jazz, featuring a unison performance by trumpet and vibraphone with added rhythm section. I've never seen this label before. America is vast.
(2) FRANCES FAYE/Night and Day (GNP)
Frances Faye, an entertainer who left several albums on labels like BETHREHEM, is characterized by her androgynous voice. She swings cheerfully, like the blue skies of California. Although the song is a standard, the credit to Jack Costanzo (Bongo) is key. With an orchestra backing her, the groove accelerates. This type of song undoubtedly shines on the dance floor.
(3) VICTER FELDMAN/Evening in Paris (SONET)
Here too, for some reason, the lineup includes members connected to BETHREHEM. Is it a coincidence? Although the notation is Vic Feldman, there is no doubt it is the jazz giant Victor Feldman. Recorded in '57, this is an early session in his career, and it's said to be a 7-inch single-only session. SONET is a long-established jazz label from Sweden. During this period, many American and British jazz musicians traveled extensively throughout Europe for their careers and to promote jazz, continuing to hold sessions. Such connections eventually found their way to my record shelf. That kind of serendipity is part of the romance of record hunting, isn't it?
Series | Tatsuo Sunaga's Record Curation Style, Part 3
Tohoku Reconstruction Support Through Jazz and Alcohol
BILLY SPRAGUE "Summer Time"
FRANCES FAYE "Night and Day"
VICTER FELDMAN "Evening in Paris"
SUPERTRAMP "Goodbye Stranger"
"games"
SUPERTRAMP/Goodbye Stranger (A&M)
A summer festival that remains in my heart.Worldwide FestivalThe aftermovie from Gilles Peterson's Worldwide Festival in the South of France, which I wrote about last time, has arrived. While watching this video, I savor the passing summer, and I recognize the song. It was faster to buy the 7-inch than to search my record collection at home. And what exquisite taste to use this song as the soundtrack for this video. When you follow the lyrics, the fleeting moments of Sète rush back. It almost brings a tear to my eye. More than images or photos, music resonates with us most deeply.
Worldwide Festival 2016 - aftermoviefromOtus productionsonVimeo.