Immerse yourself in jazz tonight too
File.3 Jazz de Bon Odori
(Mayuko Niimura/Jazz Cafe Chigusa)
In addition to the label business introduced in the previous column, Chigusa also produces and directs events related to jazz.
The event that takes the most time to prepare is the Jazz de Bon Odori held in Noge , Chigusa's home base. The first event was held in 2014. The degree of chaos has increased with each successive event, and the scale has become so large that it cannot be described in words such as "bustling" and "huge success."
This year, the fourth time, it was held on September 22nd and 23rd. The content is packed with great performers, a merry-go-round, attractive Noge stalls, and more. There was also a program for children, and visitors of all ages were welcomed with content that could be enjoyed by men and women of all ages.
The concept is, as you can probably tell from the event name, ``Let's dance Bon Odori with jazz!'' A familiar jazz masterpiece is arranged in the style of Bon dance and choreographed in the style of Bon dance. Everyone dances in a large circle to the powerful live music of the musicians. If there was someone looking down on Noge from space these past two days, I would have to think that some kind of communication was taking place...maybe.
It is Chigusa who is responsible for making the area engulfed in enthusiasm.
If you've ever visited a Chigusa store, you'll know that the atmosphere inside the store is not one of "Let's dance to jazz music," but rather a tacit atmosphere of "Shut up and listen to the good sounds of the records!" There are rules. Jazz has a history of being elevated to the level of art through the refinement of many outstanding musicians. I hear people say that it takes courage to open the door to Chigusa , perhaps because they believe that Chigusa is a place to listen deeply to jazz as an art form. This is the essence of a jazz cafe, and we would like to continue to maintain that style. All of us, the staff, cherish this atmosphere of the store and intend to pass it on.
So why did such a serious (?) Chigusa get involved in this crazy event?
The more one approaches the essence of jazz, the more one realizes that it is the music of life, popular music for men and women to dance to. Going back to its origins, jazz is about surrendering to the sounds and rhythms of your heart and enjoying it without logic. There are similarities with Japan's Bon dance. Chigusa , which carries the sign of being Japan's oldest existing jazz cafe, can't just be academically inclined.
When it opened 85 years ago, Chigusa was a place to convey the joy of swinging jazz, a music that was unknown to many Japanese people. Therefore, I believe that it is Chigusa 's duty to provide a place to enjoy jazz in various ways.
If you want to enjoy a variety of jazz to your heart's content, you have no choice but to come to Noge Jazz de Bon Odori . Dance, drink, sing, eat, listen and be intoxicated. We want you to enjoy jazz with your 5 or 6 senses.
Next year, we are planning to hold another event produced by Chigusa , so please come and see us!
