MUSIC | 'Jazz Week Tokyo 2014' to Be Held

MUSIC | UA x Naruyoshi Kikuchi Reunion and More Special Features

Jazz for Adults: 'JAZZ WEEK TOKYO 2014' to be Held

'JAZZ WEEK TOKYO 2014,' promoting 'jazz for adults,' will take place from Thursday, April 3rd to Sunday, 6th, and Monday, 14th to Tuesday, 15th, at Bunkamura Orchard Hall in Shibuya. The event promises a packed schedule of must-see attractions, including special collaborations only available here, presented with a stellar lineup.

Text by YANAKA Tomomi

Leading Names from Japan and Abroad to Appear

'JAZZ WEEK TOKYO' is a jazz event originating in Shibuya, launched in 2013. In its second year, the festival will be grandly held at Bunkamura Orchard Hall, offering adult jazz entertainment.

The opening night, Thursday, April 3rd, features the reunion of UA and Naruyoshi Kikuchi.

The collaboration between these two artists, released in 2006 as 'UA x Naruyoshi Kikuchi,' produced the hit album 'cure jazz' and garnered significant attention. Now, after seven years, they return to the stage. The performance will feature songs centered around jazz standards and Kikuchi's original compositions.

UA x Naruyoshi Kikuchi

On Friday, April 4th, Char, the icon of rock guitar, will perform. Char, who states, 'Swing is the foundation of the rhythm in the 1960s and early 70s music I listened to,' will swing his electric guitar. Additionally, a special big band led by Norio Maeda will join forces with Chie Ayado, and Nobuo Hara, who shaped the history of Japanese music post-war, will also make a special appearance.

The international guests are equally stellar. Lee Ritenour, considered the finest guitarist in contemporary jazz, and keyboardist Dave Grusin will team up for the 'Brazil Project,' a tribute to the 20th anniversary of Antonio Carlos Jobim's passing. With Jobim's children, Daniel and Luisa Jobim, as band members, and Japan's beloved bossa nova diva, Lisa Ono, as a guest, this promises a luxurious evening to fully savor the harmonious blend of jazz and bossa nova.

Lee Ritenour & Dave Grusin 'Brazil Project'
Guest: Lisa Ono

The final program, spanning Monday, April 14th, and Tuesday, 15th, will feature the maestro Wayne Shorter, who turns 80 this year. Following their previous appearance, the 'Wayne Shorter Quartet' will take the stage, performing with Brian Blade, widely recognized as one of the most exceptional drummers in contemporary jazz.

'JAZZ WEEK TOKYO 2014'

Dates | Thursday, April 3rd - Sunday, 6th, Monday, 14th, Tuesday, 15th

Venue | Bunkamura Orchard Hall

2-24-1 Dogenzaka, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo

Tel. 03-3477-9111

Tickets on General Sale | Saturday, January 25th, 10:00 AM onwards

http://jazzweektokyo.com

< Program >

Thursday, April 3rd

'cure jazz reunion'

UA x Naruyoshi Kikuchi

Friday, April 4th

'An Evening of Electric Guitar'

Char

Saturday, April 5th

'A Tribute to A.C. Jobim'

Lee Ritenour & Dave Grusin 'Brazil Project'

Guest: Lisa Ono

Sunday, April 6th

'My Way'

Chie Ayado with Norio Maeda Special Big Band

Guest: Nobuo Hara

Monday, April 14th, Tuesday, 15th

'80th Anniversary Concert'

Wayne Shorter Quartet

feat. John Patitucci, Danilo Perez, Brian Blade