Japanese pianist, American Bassist come together to make some beautiful music

Makoto Nakamura

For the multicultural music genre that jazz is, it is only fitting that the city often witnesses performances by jazz musicians of several nationalities who have made Mumbai their home. A collaboration that jazz lovers here may not have come across though is an East-meets-West kind of performance, where American and Japanese musicians bring their love for the genre on one platform. Ahead of the Makoto Nakamura Trio's performance, we speak to Nakamura, a noted Japanese pianist, about his music, and his jugalbandi with American bassist D Wood and Japanese drummer Ko Omura.

What was the coming together of three diverse musical sensibilities like?
This collaboration is an initiative of The Bombay Jazz Club, founded by D Wood, and Rajesh Punjabi, who curates international jazz events. Jazz is mostly an improvised musical conversation. It has a rich history, and has always been a mixture of numerous cultures. I came to India for the first time in 2017 and met Mr Wood. Ko Omura has been playing in my trio since 2016 and we have made a record together. Being able to collaborate with them in India is a treat. They have a genuine understanding of the diversity the music has to offer. What I look forward to in this performance is the collaboration between an American living in India for a long time and two Japanese people playing an American art form in India. To believe in the possibilities of how jazz can accommodate many styles, and curate that event in a diverse country like India, which is rich in culture and art forms, is exciting.

Ko Omura

Could you tell us something about your repertoire for this gig?
We are planning to perform renditions of our own for such pieces as Nardis and My Foolish Heart, and old standards such as Stella by Starlight that many have covered. However, I prefer not to preempt a set until the day. I have a rough guideline to what tunes I will be performing but as far as approach is concerned, I like to be in the moment, feeling the vibe of the venue and audience.

Tell us about your original compositions.
I do not write music much. The reason being, I have pride in being an improvising musician. To me, it means composing in real time. If I were to write, I write them as blueprints for my improvisations. That being said, I have released three trio titles, one group project and three solo piano works. I have also produced three titles for other artistes.

D Wood

What is the jazz scene in Japan like?
The melodic aspect of jazz is well received by Japanese listeners. Also, the Japanese are obsessed with detail. There are many record collectors for all styles of music. Jazz is one of them. Subjectively speaking, many Japanese listeners of western classical music are somewhat intrigued by jazz music, but don't know where to start. I try curating events with my fellow jazz musicians that involve open improvisations with classical instruments as a bridge for both styles.

Which Indian musicians' work do you like?
I am not an expert, but someone like Trilok Gurtu, I think, is a true innovator and has his own stamp in the world of jazz.

On: Tonight, 7 pm AT Experimental Theatre, NCPA
Call: 22824567
Entry: Rs.500 onwards

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