Discover the Best Asian Jazz Music
Contents
Discover the best in Asian jazz music by reading reviews, interviews, and listening to samples from the top artists in the genre.
The Different Types of Asian Jazz Music
Asian jazz is a genre of music that combines elements of both Asian and jazz music. It is a relatively new genre that is not yet well-defined. There are a few different sub-genres of Asian jazz, which we will explore in this article.
Chinese Jazz
Chinese jazz is a type of jazz music that draws inspiration from Chinese musical traditions. It often features traditional Chinese instruments such as the erhu, pipa, and guzheng, as well as Western instruments such as the piano, saxophone, and trumpet. Chinese jazz musicians often mix elements of both Chinese and Western music to create a unique sound.
Some well-known Chinese jazz musicians include pianist Hang Yulong, saxophonist Liu Yuan, trumpeter Gao Yuan, and bassist Liu Wenjin.
Japanese Jazz
Japanese jazz is often associated with the city of Tokyo and the jazz scene that developed there in the late 1920s. Since then, Japanese jazz has been influenced by both American and European jazz styles. The earliest Japanese jazz artists were mostly foreign musicians living in Japan, but by the 1930s, some Japanese musicians were beginning to make a name for themselves in the jazz world.
The most notable early Japanese jazz musician was trumpeter Terukado Owada, who recorded with several American artists including Coleman Hawkins and Lester Young. Owada was followed by a number of other talented Japanese trumpet players, such as Saburo Murakami and Fumio Nanri. In the early 1950s, pianist Toshiko Akiyoshi made a name for herself playing bebop in Tokyo clubs. Akiyoshi would go on to become one of the most important figures in Japanese jazz, leading her own big bands and recording several critically acclaimed albums.
Other notable Japanese jazz musicians include saxophonists Sadao Watanabe and Yasuaki Shimizu, trumpeter Tatsuya Nakatani, and bassist Shigeko Toya. While Japanese jazz has been largely influenced by American styles, it has also incorporated elements of traditional Japanese music into its sound. This has led to a uniquely dynamic and expressive form of Asian Jazz that continues to evolve today.
Korean Jazz
Korean Jazz has been on the rise in recent years with more and more Korean artists making a name for themselves on the international jazz scene. Some of the leading lights of Korean Jazz include saxophonist J ACT and trumpeter Kim Min-ji.
Korean Jazz often incorporates traditional Korean instruments such as the gayageum and haegum into the music, giving it a unique sound that sets it apart from other types of jazz.
If you’re looking for something different, then Korean Jazz is definitely worth checking out!
The Best Asian Jazz Musicians
Asian jazz is a unique blend of traditional Asian music and instruments with the sounds of jazz. This fusion creates a new and exciting genre of music. Asian jazz is still relatively new, but it is quickly gaining popularity all over the world. If you’re a fan of jazz music, you should definitely check out some of the best Asian jazz musicians.
Hiromi Uehara
Japanese jazz pianist and composer Hiromi Uehara has been described as a “one-woman whirlwind” and a “jazz dynamo.” With her prodigious technique, refreshingly original compositions, and affinity for improvisation, she has become one of the most celebrated artists in the jazz world.
Born in Shizuoka, Japan, in 1979, Uehara began playing piano at age 6. She was soon winning competitions and performin g with orchestras. At 16, she enrolled in the Berklee College of Music in Boston on a full scholarship. After graduating summa cum laude in 2000, she moved to New York City to pursue her career.
Uehara made her recording debut as a leader with the 2004 release Another Mind, which featured her trio with Anthony Jackson on bass and Simon Phillips on drums. The album was hailed as a breakthrough by critics and won Uehara the prestigiou s Best New Artist prize at the 2005 Tokyo Jazz Festival. She followed it with brain (2006), SPARK (2008), voicing (2010), ALIVE (2011), and move (2013).
Uehara has also recorded several live albums, including Duet (with bassist Stanley Clarke; 2009) and Place to Be (with guitarist Lionel Loueke; 2012). In addition to her work as a leader, she has appeared as a sideman on albums by Stanley Jordan , Marcus Miller , Lee Ritenour , Al Di Meola , Charles Lloyd , John Scofield , Dave Douglas , Terence Blanchard , Esperanza Spalding , Terri Lyne Carrington , Tigran Hamasyan , Gretchen Parlato , Hiromi’s Sonicbloom (with Jackson an d Phillips), and others.
Yusef Lateef
Yusef Lateef was born in Detroit, Michigan, in 1920. His father was a trombonist and his mother was a pianist. Lateef started playing the saxophone when he was ten years old and soon began studying flute, oboe, and percussion. He played in jazz clubs around Detroit before moving to New York City in 1947 to study at the Manhattan School of Music.
Lateef’s unique style combines elements of jazz, blues, and Eastern music. He has recorded more than 60 albums as a leader and has worked with some of the most important names in jazz, including Dizzy Gillespie, Miles Davis, John Coltrane, and Ornette Coleman.
Lateef was also an accomplished painter and sculptor and wrote several books on philosophy and spirituality. He died in 2013 at the age of 93.
Kenny Garrett
Saxophonist Kenny Garrett is one of the best jazz musicians of Asian descent. Born in Detroit, Michigan, Garrett began playing alto saxophone at the age of nine. He later switched to tenor saxophone and then soprano saxophone. Garrett’s musical influences include John Coltrane, Dexter Gordon, Miles Davis, and Sidney Bechet. He has released several solo albums and has toured with Duke Ellington, Dizzy Gillespie, Jackie McLean, and McCoy Tyner. Garrett has also played with the bands Miles Davis Quintet and Weather Report.
The Best Asian Jazz Albums
If you’re a fan of jazz music, you might want to check out some of the best Asian jazz albums. Asian jazz is a genre that blends traditional Asian music with jazz. This can result in some really interesting and unique sounds. Here are a few of the best Asian jazz albums you should check out.
The Tokyo Sessions by Hiromi Uehara
Japanese jazz pianist Hiromi Uehara’s The Tokyo Sessions might be one of the quirkiest and most interesting jazz piano albums ever recorded. It’s also one of the most fun. Recorded in a single day with her touring trio featuring bassist Anthony Jackson and drummer Simon Phillips, the album finds Hiromi playing in a wide range of styles, from straight-ahead to avant-garde to fusion to straight-up pop. The result is an album that is as playful as it is virtuosic, and which showcases Hiromi’s incredible range as a player and composer.
Eastern Sounds by Yusef Lateef
Eastern Sounds is an album by American jazz musician Yusef Lateef recorded in 1961 and released on the Prestige label. It was recorded at the same session that produced Lateef’s The Dreamer and features performances by Lateef with Hugh Lawson, Ernie Farrow, Tommy Flanagan, and Richard Williams. AllMusic awarded the album 4 stars calling it “An excellent set that fully displays Lateef’s skills as a world-class jazz musician”.
The album was reissued on CD in 2002 by Fantasy with four bonus tracks.
Beyond the Wall by Kenny Garrett
Kenny Garrett is an American jazz saxophonist and flutist who has been active since the early 1980s. He has worked with many prominent musicians, including Miles Davis, Dizzy Gillespie, Jack DeJohnette, and Herbie Hancock. His latest album, Beyond the Wall, is a exploration of Asian jazz music.
The album features a wide range of Asian musical styles, including traditional Chinese music, Japanese taiko drumming, Indian classical music, and more. Garrett’s saxophone playing is beautiful and lyrical, and he is supported by a great cast of musicians from all over the world. If you’re a fan of Asian music or simply looking for something new and exciting in the world of jazz, Beyond the Wall is an album that you won’t want to miss.
Where to Find Asian Jazz Music
Asian Jazz Music can be found in a variety of places. You can find it online, on CDs, or in live performances. Asian Jazz Music is a great way to relax and escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. It can also be a great way to connect with your heritage.
Asian Jazz Festivals
There are Asian Jazz Festivals happening all over the world. Here are some of the most popular ones:
-The Asian Jazz Festival in Singapore is one of the most highly anticipated events on the annual music calendar. The festival features a lineup of world-renowned jazz artists, including Grammy award-winning trumpet player Chris Botti, vibraphonist Stefon Harris, and pianist Hiromi.
-The Jakarta International Java Jazz Festival is one of the largest and most well-attended Asian Jazz Festivals. The event features over 200 local and international jazz artists performing on 10 stages throughout the city.
-The Tokyo International Jazz Festival is another popular event that draws visitors from all over Asia. The festival showcases a wide range of jazz styles, from traditional to contemporary.
-The Sapporo Snow Festival in Japan is a unique event that combines music and art in a winter wonderland setting. The festival features a variety of snow sculptures, as well as performances by Japanese and international jazz artists.
Asian Jazz Clubs
Whether you’re looking for a place to relax with a drink and some smooth tunes or you want to get up and dance the night away, there are plenty of great Asian jazz clubs to choose from. Here are some of our favorites:
The Blue Note Tokyo is one of the most popular jazz clubs in Asia, attracting world-renowned musicians from all over the globe. Located in the heart of Tokyo’s Roppongi district, this stylish club has a relaxed and sophisticated vibe.
If you’re in Hong Kong, be sure to check out the Lan Kwai Fong Hotel’s Jockey Club Amphitheatre. This open-air venue is perfect for enjoying the city skyline while listening to some great live music. The amphitheater also hosts other events such as movie screenings and comedy shows, so there’s something for everyone.
Another great Hong Kong spot is The Fringe Club. This relaxed bar located in Central is popular with locals and tourists alike. It has a laid-back atmosphere but still manages to attract some big-name acts from time to time.
For a more laid-back experience, head to Bangkok’s Jazz Coffeehouse. This charming café is the perfect place to relax with a cup of coffee and some good tunes. They have an eclectic mix of jazz, blues, and folk on offer, so there’s something for everyone.
Finally, if you’re in Singapore, be sure to check out Blu Jaz Café. This funky little club has a great selection of local and international beers on tap, as well as an impressive wine list. They also have live music most nights, so it’s the perfect place to unwind after a long day exploring the city.
Asian Jazz Radio Stations
Looking for the best Asian jazz music? Here are some great radio stations that specialize in playing this genre:
-Jazz FM 91.1 (Japan)
-KCRW 89.9 FM (USA)
-Jazz 24 (USA)
-WBGO 88.3 FM (USA)
-SmoothJazz.com Global Radio (USA)
-Turned On: Japan Edition (UK)
-NTS Radio (UK)
