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.