So I was again at Tokyo Jazz Festival at NHK Hall, Shibuya. My wonderful experience of last year surely was one of the reasons making me want to be back for this year’s festival. But Sadao Watanabe and his big band was also what I really looked forward to because this was going to be my very first time attending his concert.

Mr. Sadao Watanabe was one of invited artists as very special guest last year. This year he brought his big band to be performing at the last show on the last day of the festival. The legendary Japanese saxophonist is already 85 years old. Clearly he is old enough to be some of band members’ father, or even grandfather. But his age doesn’t bother him much as he seemed both energetic and elegant during the show.

The concert was about 1.5 hours long. The band brought some masterpieces to audience, from Jazz standards to contemporary Jazz. You can even hear a few of riffs influenced by Japanese folk music in their solos. The whole band’s timing and coordination were so impeccable even the arrangement of some of tunes were a bit complicated.

Music-wise, the staff deserves recognition too. I was impressed that they were able to set-up the whole gear for more-than-15-player big band without running into any trouble within only less than 15 minutes. Their professionalism was just remarkable.

From all aspects, this year is definitely one of my best Jazz experiences ever. I was both honored and happy to be there.