Top 5 Concerts of 2022

 


This year felt almost like a pre-pandemic year. It seemed like shows went on in a similar vein as in the recent past. With a few exceptions, like the lack of international artists at Blue Note or almost non-metal shows, the second half was pretty much stacked, it was actually quite exceptional. 

My show-going year started in June with the sole Classical concert I attended (I had a ticket for the Kronos Quartet by then canceled their Japan tour altogether). All the artists I saw at the eleven shows I attended I saw for the first time and each show was special in its own way. It was not easy to rank them, but I’ll try it with my five favorites.

5. Otoboke Beaver at Liquidroom.

Showcasing their whole catalog with an encore -or should I say several encores- unlike anything I’ve ever seen before, this was a memorable energetic and fun show that also managed to say something original with incredibly musicianship and stage presence. It was the closest to a metal show I saw this year.


4. Little Simz at Kanda Square Hall.

When it comes to stage presence it sure is hard to match Little Simz. Caught off guard at first by the traditional nonchalant attitude of the Japanese audience, she was able to adapt, turn it around and deliver an amazing set with the whole auditorium in the palm of her hand. The fact that she accomplished this with just a mic and a DJ is even more astounding, but truly not that surprising given the number of jewels in her catalog.



3. Fishbone at The Garden Hall.  

One for the bucket list and it didn’t disappoint at all. A longer set and better sound would’ve catapult it to the first spot. What we saw was a legendary live band living up to its reputation. At the same time being spontaneous and in command. The fact that Fishbone haven't achieved  mainstream success is probably one of the biggest mysteries in the music industry.



2. Billy Woods at WWW.

It felt like you were in the presence of a true visionary. The man by himself, not even a DJ, pressured by time in an opening spot, delivered one of the best sets in Tokyo’s recent history. To me the weight of his material is unmeasurable, beat-wise, lyric-wise and flow-wise. Quite possibly the most moving hip hop show I’ve witnessed.



1. Norah Jones at Budokan.

The combination of incredible talent, unbelievable band, amazing songs with unique forward thinking live arrangements, and an intimate jazzy setting at an epic iconic venue couldn’t result in anything other than the best show of the year. The closing night of Norah Jones’ 2022 Japan tour was my favorite show of last year.  



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