Tsuyoshi Yamamoto Trio- A Shade Of Blue

Recently, I had the honor to ask the Japanese pianist Tsuyoshi Yamamoto a couple of questions about his jazz life and his latest trio album „A Shade Of Blue.

 

Check this album here:

 

Tsuyoshi Yamamoto: A Shade Of Blue (180g) (2 LPs) – jpc

 

The album, his debut for eversound is a trio album comprising ten tracks recorded live in Tokyo´s Gotanda Culture Center Music Hall. Featuring some of Yamamoto´s favorite tunes.

 

It´s a down- memory-lane trip of his greatest hits. Mainly songs, which he recorded for the famous Tokyo-based Three Blind Mice Label in the 1970s-which brought high-quality audio values to the Japanese jazz scene.

 

Please enjoy my little interview with Tsuyoshi Yamamoto

What was the first jazz record you listened in your youth?

 

(TY) Art Blackey “Les Liaisons Dangereuses”

 

When you decide to become jazz piano player?

 

(TY) My mother asked me if I wanted to learn the piano when I was a child, and I suppose that’s what

 

started it off.

 

Do you have any special favorite American jazz players?

 

(TY)I really enjoyed playing with Elvin Jones. Joe Newman and Billy Higgins.

 

You started your career in Jazz in the 70s what was the jazz scene in the 70s in Japan?

 

(TY) It was very energetic and the live house was always full!

 

How did you choose the songs for the record- A  Shade of Blue?

 

(TY) Some of the tracks were songs I enjoy performing, some I wrote and some that my label thought

 

would resonate well with listeners – plus they also wanted to showcase some of my rarer songs.

 

One of your famous compositions is “Midnight Sugar, “ and it is on the record. Why did you decide to

 

include this song on the record?

 

(TY) It’s a fan-favorite and I wanted to add another element to the track by performing it in the

 

piano trio format.

 

How is the Japanese jazz scene today? What are the challenges?

 

(TY) There are too many young talented musicians. Everyone is playing technically well, but they’re

 

all doing the same things. They should focus on creating their own true sound. They have technical

 

knowledge, but they need to create a sound that is authentically their own - that is imbued with their

 

own character.

 

Do you plan to make a tour in Europe?

 

(TY) I would love for it to happen! We’re waiting for anyone who invites us to Europe! (Laughs)