EAST MEETS WEST 2019

There are several events under concepts of “EAST MEETS WEST”

As for Jazz, I got attended and impressed was held on April 27, 2019.(evening time)

The introduction by Will Lee (music director) is perfect.

“In the concept of East Meets West, where it’s including members of Japanese music world and American music world, and this is where we all come together and make a beautiful sound”.

Whole 3 days performance on April 26, 27 and 28 at Tokyo International Forum.

EAST MEETS WEST SUPER BAND

Will Lee (b), Chris Parker (ds), Jeff Young (key), Nir Felder (g), Aaron Heick (sax), Yoichi Murata (tb), Koji Nishimura (tp), Kesuke Torigoe (b), Akira Yamada (ds), Ai Kuwabara(key)

SPECIAL GUESTS ON 26TH

Sam Moore(vo), Mike Stern (g), Kazumi Watanabe (g), Ryota Fujimaki (vo, g), Ai Kuwabara(p)

SPECIAL GUESTS ON 27TH (DAYTIME)

Akiko Yano (vo, p), Randy Brecker (tp), Ada Rovatti (sax), Terumasa Hino (tp), Miton Usui (vo,g,key)

SPECIAL GUESTS ON 27TH (EVENING TIME)

Randy Brecker (tp), Ada Rovatti (sax), Mike Stern (g), Kazumi Watanabe (g), Terumasa Hino (tp), Miton Usui (vo, g,key)

SPECIAL GUESTS ON 28TH

Akiko Yano (vo, p), Sam Moore (vo), Ryota Fujimaki (vo,g), Ai Kuwabara (p)

In fact, really wide variety of performances under the concept of EAST MEETS WEST!!

Definitely Will Lee had great effort and coordination on this project. Actually I myself got strong impression on his detailed care even on the whole stage. “O-MO-TE-NA-SI”.(Japanese like hospitality).

However, in Japase side, Ai Kuwabara did her best for the best collaboration with Will Lee.

In 2020, there was planning with Ai Kuwabara, Steve Gadd and Will Lee, however, cancelled due to COVID 19. What a great pity !! When could be the next ?!?!