Immerse yourself in jazz tonight too
File.9 Big Band Encyclopedia (Koichi Shibata, author)
Mayuko Niimura (Jazz Cafe Chigusa)
Speaking of Yokohama's representative jazz event, "Yokohama Jazz Promenade" is held in October. Every year, famous musicians from Japan and abroad gather, and the center of Yokohama city is completely filled with jazz.
Koichi Shibata, who has been the general director of this event for many years, was born in 1945 at an ironworks in Nishi Ward, Yokohama City, and is a true enthusiast. By the way, the definition of a "hamadakko" is someone who is cheerful, positive, has a strong sense of duty and humanity, and is a caring person. Mr. Shibata fits all of these criteria.
For example, I think that actively putting young people on the big stage is a sign of an ``addictive personality.'' Although he has a desire to support young musicians, he is by no means soft on them. Even if there were ``discerning listeners'' who looked on with suspicion at first, they were quickly drawn into their performance.
Mr. Shibata was born in 1945, which was, needless to say, a tumultuous period just after the war. In the center of Yokohama, there was housing for the American occupation forces, and there were also many entertainment facilities exclusively for them. Entertainment facilities were clubs, and club music at the time was jazz. In the chaotic atmosphere typical of a port town, the music of big bands could be heard from everywhere, and the whole town must have been swinging.
Growing up in such an environment, Shibata was fascinated by the upbeat swing jazz and powerful big bands.
This summer, Mr. Shibata published ``Big Band Encyclopedia,'' which introduces 600 bands and 1,300 jazz musicians. It is truly a large work of 400 pages.
The book's publication anniversary party was held at a hotel in Naka Ward, Yokohama, and was a huge success, with many jazz musicians ranging from big names to young artists rushing to celebrate.
The venue was filled with laughter from beginning to end, reflecting Mr. Shibata's personality. It is guaranteed that the members in attendance will be mixed up and begin the session with a glass in hand. I was asked to sit in the last seat, and I was able to spend a happy time thinking from the bottom of my heart, ``Music is great, jazz is great.''
``Congratulations, I hope it sells,'' I thought to say with respect, but he replied in his usual tone, ``You idiot! You're so annoying!'' But right after that, I said, "Thank you." He said it with a shy smile.
This year's "Yokohama Jazz Promenade" will be held over two days, October 12th and 13th. Many big bands will perform, following the theme of Mr. Shibata's book.
Jazz from the port city of Yokohama, cast by Mr. Shibata. Please come visit and get drunk to your heart's content.
