I'm immersed in jazz tonight
File 9 Big Band Encyclopedia (written by Koichi Shibata)
Mayuko Niimura (Jazz Cafe Chigusa)
Speaking of jazz events representing Yokohama, "Yokohama Jazz Promenade" held in October. Every time, prominent musicians from Japan and abroad gather, and the center of Yokohama is dyed in the color of jazz.
Koichi Shibata, the general director of this event for many years, was born in 1946 in an iron factory in Nishi-ku, Yokohama, and is a genuine addict. By the way, the definition of a “Hamakko” is to be refreshing, positive, kind, and caring. Mr. Shibata applies to all of them.
For example, I think it's a manifestation of "Hamakko's temperament" to actively let young people stand on the big stage. Although he has a desire to support young musicians, he is by no means lenient with young musicians. Even if there are "discerning" audience members who look at the performance with suspicion at first, they are quickly drawn into their performances.
Mr. Shibata was born in 1946, during the turbulent period just after the war. In the center of Yokohama, there were American Occupation Forces residences, and there were many entertainment facilities dedicated to them. Entertainment facilities were clubs, and club music at that time was jazz. In the chaotic atmosphere typical of port towns, the music played by big bands could be heard here and there, and the whole town must have been swinging.
Growing up in such an environment, Shibata was fascinated by swing jazz and powerful big bands.
And this summer, Mr. Shibata published "Big Band Encyclopedia", which introduces 600 bands and 1,300 jazz musicians. It is a large work of 400 pages.
The publication party held at a hotel in Naka Ward, Yokohama City, was crowded with many jazz musicians, from big names to young musicians, who came to celebrate.
The venue where laughter does not stop from beginning to end is Mr. Shibata's personality itself. It is also promised that the attending members will be jumbled and the session will start with a glass in one hand. I was added to the last seat, and I was able to spend a happy time thinking from the bottom of my heart, "Music is good, jazz is good."
"Congratulations, I hope it sells well," I intended to say with respect, but he replied in his usual tone, "Fool! But right after that, just say, “Thank you.” He said with a shy smile.
This year's "Yokohama Jazz Promenade" will be held on October 12th and 13th. Many big bands will appear on the theme of Mr. Shibata's book.
Jazz from the port town of Yokohama, cast by Mr. Shibata. Please visit and be intoxicated to your heart's content.
