The Tokyo Concert Experience

Contemporary Classical music is definitely not an easy sell and that was, unfortunately, the case for this concert. Not because of the quality of the program or the performance, which were flawless, but because of the modest turnout. When I got to the hall -kind of in a hurry because I was late, I made it on time though- I didn’t expect to see a billboard just outside advertising the show and a huge number of people in the surrounding areas. I noticed they were mostly young women and remembered that it was the weekend when the coming of age ceremonies are held in Japan. I guess they were registering for the event or something. I struggled my way into the venue as if I were in the platform at the Shinjuku JR station when there’s a train delay. Finally made it about three minutes before start time and was surprised to see the hall half empty. It was a shame because what it took place was a validation of the argument that favors live performances over recordings. In preparation to th

The first extreme metal show of the year was a special one because it showcased one of the pioneer bands of the genre. Still going strong, Obituary was at the forefront of the Florida death metal movement along with bands like Morbid Angel, Death and Deicide. This specific show was the first one of a tour celebrating the thirtieth anniversary of their landmark sophomore album Cause of Death . The tour will take them to Osaka, New Zealand and several cities around Australia. It took place at a venue that I think just reopened maybe a couple of months ago, Garret Udagawa. I got there barely on time for the opener because I kind of got lost and ended up at a different place instead. Luckily I made it to the sold out venue and stood in the back for World End Man’s set. It was my second time seeing them, the first one being as openers of the Suffocation show last year. As at that time they were solid and fun to watch. Their brand of groovy death metal was definitely a better match t

It’s well known that it is in a live setting where jazz music truly thrives. Legendary recordings ranging from Duke at Newport, to Coltrane at the Village vanguard or Sun Ra’s Black Myth / Out of Space are some examples worth checking out. The same could be said about this particular show, in which telepathy and interaction among musicians were outstanding, definitely a thrill to see. If I’m not mistaken the first Fabian Almazan Trio record dates back to 2011. As far as I know the same lineup has been together since. Fabian Almazan is originally from Cuba and moved to the States with his family as a young boy. He has recorded with Terrence Blanchard and in his own group he incorporates those cinematic sounds that Blanchard is renowned for. The Almazan records usually include strings and Classical influences along with his own pianistic and compositional skills. His wife Linda May Han Oh on bass and her own projects have had a big impact in contemporary jazz. She also has share