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Jazz in Japan

I have many great memories from a recent trip to Japan, but my favorite is a night I spent in a tiny Jazz bar in the Hiroshima bar district.

Walk down a tiny alley surrounded by tall old buildings and down a long empty hallway and you'll find a door that leads to Jazz Mingus, a six seat counter with walls full of LPs. Vintage McIntosh amps MC30 + C11 and JBL speakers from the 1950s sit at the end of the counter.

The owner and proprietor is Japanese bassist, Hiroshi Inoe. For 4000Yen or $25 he will serve you a drink with snacks, spin any records from his collection and play a full set on acoustic bass with accompanying piano. The room, the smells and sounds are magical. The few people inside truly appreciate the music and share the moments with you. I can only describe the experience as "soul stirring."

I was so inspired that when I returned to the US, I found myself re-engaged with my Jazz vinyl collection and listened into the wee hours.

While in Japan I was also able to find some great places to pick up some Japanese pressed vinyl, the quality is outstanding. Tower Records still exits in Tokyo in a six story building with one whole floor of used vinyl.

Just had to share the buzz.

 

socalml528
tomic601's avatar
tomic601
13,748 posts
 

Many work trips to Japan

checknout the excellent book Tokyo Jazz Joints by Phillip Arneill 

mahgister's avatar
mahgister
15,061 posts
 

I like many Japan musicians in jazz...yes

david_principato
13 posts
 

I’ve never been to Japan, but I have read a few articles about establishments that have excellent stereo systems and phenomenal vinyl collections. Submit your music requests, order your beverages, all very quietly I would imagine, and enjoy the vibes. For some reason, this idea fascinates me. Also read an article in one of the stereo magazines that talked about some similar clubs in NYC that have opened in the last few years. I think it would be awesome to have such a club to frequent near me. 

socalml528's avatar
socalml528 OP
171 posts
 

Being Japan its a little more low key, but you’ve got the idea. This place was tiny and the host is elderly with limited english.  It’s more like he will ask what your favorite artist is and offer you a limited choice of drink options. The system is more vintage, but qualifies as audiophile grade.

Given that there’s only 4-6 guests at a time, I’m not sure if the economics would work anywhere in the US.  

But it’s as intimate an experience as you can get. It’s like you’re sitting next to him as he masterfully plays the acoustic bass. Almost like visiting a friend in his den and sharing an evening of music. Will never forget it and like you I sure would like to find something similar in the US.

jayrossi13's avatar
jayrossi13
198 posts
 

Japan has cafes called Jazz Kissa dedicated to playing Jazz on vintage/high end systems. 

https://insheepsclothinghifi.com/tokyo-jazz-kissa/

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