KEEP ON RUNNING IN TOP OF JAPAN JAZZ SCENE -SHINJUKU PIT INN-

“What is your notable topic in jazz for the year of 1965 ??”

In Japan, it is the remarkable year of Japan jazz scene’s rapid growth, which starts from 1961 Art Blakey and Jazz Messengers’ first visit to Japan.

Then, for probably many people’s topis is PIT IN INCEPTION in Shinjuku.

Oh, it is already 55 years since then…. (It is not so easy to determine, but as for historical impact, it might be said “NEXT TO VILLAGE VANGUARD, in the world ??)

In fact, from 1965 until today 31st December 2020, PIT INN has been running in the top of Jazz scene in Japan. It has been covering wide variety from top musicians to rather younger new stars.

If provide the whole topis, definitely it needs one booklet. Then followings are just two examples.

1. Coordinate Sadao Watanabe’ return gig from Berkley Music College.

• as of 1960’s, it was an unbelievable big challenge for Japanese people to learn in abroad.Then, many of jazz lovers heard new of Sadao Watanabe return from Berkley with a great expectation. PIT INN had coordinated frequent gigs. After that PIT INN’s develop has been in the harmony of Japan jazz growth.

2. Coordinate Elvin Jone’s long gig.

There was an unfortunate accident for Elvin Jones in 1966 that he was forced to stay in Japan due to drug inspection. PIT INN cared a lot for him during stay in Japan.That made strong bond with him

YES. There are so many topics… One of the even is end of year live performance. I am not sure exactly how long, however, after I came back from China, I have been participated in its all night event. After the event was finished early in the morning on the new year, came back to home. Frozen body outside, but hot spirits inside.

However, in this year 2020, due to COVID19, needed to stop at 22:00 due to government’s strong requirement. No way. In fact basically it was the same.

Thank you very much for the long continued effort in developing Japan jazz, and great musicians on 31st Dec.;

1st stage: Tsuyoshi Shibuya(p) orchestra with Kosuke Mine(ts), Koichi Matsukaze(sax),Eichi Hayashi(as), Kenta Tsugami(sax), Osamu Matsumoto(tb), Akihiro Ishiwatari(g), Katsumasa Uemura(b), Akira Toyama (ds)

2nd stage: Tamaya Honda(ds) session with Fumio Itabashi(p), Masayo Koketsu(as) Takashi Seo(b)

A HAPPY NEW YEAR TO LADIES AND GENTLEMEN ALL RELATED