So my dream was finally fulfilled: attending Tokyo Jazz Festival at least one time in my life. The show started at 6 PM, September 2nd at NHK Hall, Shibuya. I arrived earlier, enjoying outdoor foods at the booths and concert.

There was also a trio whose style was mixed up with Japanese traditional music and Hard Bebop. Such a creative band!

Musical instrument manufacturers and LP sellers also set up couple booths in the venue. It is impressive that the music market in Japan is so vigorous.

Over an hour later, the show at NHK Hall was about to begin. I showed my passport and order confirmation email to ticket booth to retrieve my ticket (which was ordered online a month ago) and entered the hall.

NHK hall is huge. LP, CD, snack and beverage were all available inside the building. Lots of people were queuing for wine and albums. And it seems like for some Japanese, wine and beer are the necessary parts of enjoying Jazz music.

The show that I attended consisted of three sets: H Zettrio — a Japanese Contemporary Jazz band, Al Di Meola with his band, and Lee Ritenour with Pat Martino (as special guest), Dave Grusin, Dave Weckl and Tom Kennedy. The schedule was pretty tight. The breaks between three sets were only 15 minute long. However, it was impressive that the technical people managed to set up all instruments on stage within such short time. The show eventually went smoothly.

Lee’s set was definitely the most anticipated one. I think that was why they arranged the set to become the ending show of the day. Lee and Pat’s guitar solos in Antonio Carlos Jobim’s classic “Stone Flower” were absolutely masterful. Dave’s drum solo was so sophisticated and fluent like water. Drum fans, including me, were able to see his hands moving across his kit clearly because the drumset was set up right in front of audience.

Big cats are coming!

The event, the music as well as my trip instantly become one of my most cherished memories. My heart is left in Shibuya and I will surely pay a visit again to get it back.