MUSIC: Hiroko Otsuka’s ‘PIECE THE NEXT’ – A Compilation Album Capturing Contemporary Japanese Jazz

MUSIC | Compilation Album Curated by DJ Hiroko Otsuka

“PIECE THE NEXT” Signals the Future of Japan's Jazz Scene

The jazz scene is alive with the vibrant activity of a new generation of artists like Robert Glasper and Jose James. In sync with this current, Japanese jazz musicians are also sparking a fresh movement. Released late last year under the production of DJ Hiroko Otsuka, the compilation album “PIECE THE NEXT” signals that Japan's jazz scene is entering a new phase.

Text by Morito IWANAGA (OPENERS)

Featuring "Today's Japanese Jazz"

Where is Japanese jazz heading? The answer comes in the form of the compilation album “PIECE THE NEXT.” Curated and selected by DJ Hiroko Otsuka, she is known for her refined sensibility, honed through a dedicated pursuit of analog record sound, and her playing style that creates groove through delicate yet bold arrangements, earning her a devoted following among jazz fans. This release marks the first from her newly launched label, “Key of Life ＋,” which she has established after spinning cutting-edge sounds on various stages, from international parties to major music festivals.

The lineup spans a wide spectrum, featuring rising star Miho Hazama, highly anticipated in the jazz piano world, alongside veteran acts like Orquesta Libre, led by jazz drummer Yasuyoshi Yoshigaki. It also encompasses diverse musical styles, from club-oriented sounds to beat-driven approaches, including the alternative band Yasei Collective and Bennetrhodes (Kan Sano), who champion the next generation of jazz.

The tracks range from covers of rare groove classics to original compositions, each imbued with a creative spirit and a fresh sound. These 15 carefully selected songs are truly essential pieces for the next chapter of Japan's jazz scene.

Particularly noteworthy is the track produced by Otsuka herself for this album, by her band “RM jazz legacy.” This ensemble brings together emerging musicians centered around Shinpei Ruike (Tp) and Koichi Moriya (B), including Masayasu Tsuboguchi (P), mabanua (Dr), and Takuya Tanaka “TAK” (G), who contribute their newly created song, “Night Flight.” The release live performance, held on Sunday, February 22nd, at jazz club "Alfie" in Roppongi, Tokyo, offers a precious opportunity to experience their music firsthand. We highly recommend taking this chance to immerse yourself in "Today's Japanese Jazz."

“PIECE THE NEXT” Release Live ~Second Night
Date | Sunday, February 22nd
Time | Doors open 18:30, Start 19:30
Venue | Roppongi Alfie
5F Hamaropongi Bldg., 6-2-35 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo
http://homepage1.nifty.com/live/alfie/index.html
Price | ¥3,500 (includes one drink)
DJ | Hiroko Otsuka
LIVE | RM jazz legacy [Shinpei Ruike (Tp), Koichi Moriya (B), Masayasu Tsuboguchi (Key), mabanua (Dr), Yosuke Miyajima (G)]

“PIECE THE NEXT”
Curated & Selected by | Hiroko Otsuka
¥2,700 (KOL-001)
On Sale Now

＜TRACK LIST＞
1. GL/JM | Shinpei Ruike 4 Piece Band
2. Tokyo Confidential | Miho Hazama m_unit
3. Rockin’In Rhythm | Orquesta Libre + Suga Dairo + RONxII
4. Shakey Jake | Takumi Moriya Black Nation
5. Regular | Yasei Collective feat. Shane Endsley, Ben Wendel from Kneebody
6. Heavy Seas (Live) | Rumba On The Corner
7. grmethod | Kinetic [Hiroki Chiba, Masashi Hattori]
8. Do Good | Yasei Collective
9. Stakes Is High | JOSEI ACOUSTIC PIANO TRIO [Jyocho, Goldman Akita, FUYU]
10. Ameeta | Bennetrhodes [Kan Sano]
11. Night Flight | RM jazz legacy [Shinpei Ruike, Koichi Moriya, Masayasu Tsuboguchi, mabanua, Takuya “TAK” Tanaka]
12. Hikari e no Hikari | Onsen Trio [Keigo Iwami, Taeko Kurita, Ryusaku Ikezawa]
13. Rock Out | Hitomi Nishiyama Trio “Parallax”
14. Strasbourg/St. Denis | element3 [Jyocho, Kenji “JINO” Hino, FUYU]
15. Park | Ryosuke Hashizume Group