Recommended Japanese jazz bands — from classic legends to rising young groups
Jazz has a wide range of subgenres—from so-called modern jazz to big band, fusion, and even free jazz—so many people may not know where to start listening.
In fact, jazz is a form of music that has influenced every genre, including the rock and pop, hip-hop, post-rock, and electronica you listen to every day.
In this article, we’ll guide you to the gateway of the vast world of jazz by carefully curating a selection of recommended Japanese jazz bands.
From classic, time-honored groups to up-and-coming artists who captivate with genre-defying styles beyond jazz, we’ve chosen a broad lineup.
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Recommended Japanese Jazz Bands — From Classic Legends to Young Artists (21–30)
EclipseSleep Walker
SLEEP WALKER is a veteran band that has been active since 2000, pursuing the new jazz genre known as club jazz.
Their album Eclipse treats us to a flawlessly polished, emotionally charged sound that keeps us thoroughly engaged.
VanitasKatte ni shiyagare
This is “Vanitas,” included on the 2008 album My Life….
The song by Katte ni Shiyagare features a cool synchronization between the gravelly vocals sung while drumming and the band’s sound—it’s very stylish.
Recommended Japanese Jazz Bands — From Classic Legends to Young Acts (31–40)
CoreGecko&Tokage Parade
Formed in 2013 as an instrumental band in pursuit of next-generation sound, Gecko & Tokage Parade has captivated audiences with sophisticated ensembles that fuse jazz and classical music, led by pianist Gecko.
Their 2017 album “Nomadic Flow” reached No.
4 on Tower Records’ jazz chart, and they have steadily expanded their fanbase through an active schedule of live performances.
In addition to appearances at renowned jazz clubs such as Motion Blue yokohama and COTTON CLUB, they have also succeeded in solo hall concerts, solidifying their status as a powerhouse.
Their expansive sonic world, crafted with diverse musicality and refined technique, leaves a pleasant afterglow.
With richly evocative pieces that feel like listening to a story, their music is perfect for those who want to unwind or seek high-quality sound.
Jolly JollyJiLL-Decoy association
Jill-Decoy Association is a veteran three-piece jazz band formed in 2002, now marking 15 years together.
Their overall sound is warm, gentle, and full of compassion, and Chihiro’s vocals have a clear, translucent quality that refreshes the listener’s heart.
BET UPai kuwabara trio project
A cutting-edge jazz trio led by Ai Kuwabara, a next-generation jazz pianist born in 1991.
Having started electone and composition in early childhood and switching to piano in junior high, Kuwabara is a highly acclaimed musician who has competed in solo piano competitions and composed theme songs for television programs.
Her main project, the ai kuwabara trio project, is defined by an innovative sound emblematic of a new generation, grounded in each member’s refined instrumental technique.
On the 2015 cover album “Love Theme,” they showcase impeccable taste by tackling not only jazz standards but also material ranging from King Crimson to Squarepusher.
If you want to know what jazz sounds like “right now,” be sure to check them out!
Relight My FireQuasimode
One of the quintessential jazz quartets of the 2000s is Quasimode.
Its members include pianist Yusuke Hirado, who is also active as a solo artist, and bassist Kazuhiro Sunaga, who has played on many artists’ recordings and live performances as a session musician.
From their formation in 2001 until they went on hiatus in 2015, they continued to captivate many jazz fans.
In 2009, they even signed with the prestigious jazz label Blue Note and released works there, a testament to their prowess.
Their sound, which incorporates various musical elements into a foundation of classic jazz, also holds strong appeal for those interested in club jazz.
Night Talk DeceiveLowland Jazz
Roland Jazz, a jazz band that began activity in April 2013, is especially captivating for its lineup of more than ten members, which creates a vivid tapestry of sound through the intricately interwoven timbres of each instrument.
The arrangement of “Yobanashi Deceive” is excellent—an upbeat, lively piece whose call-and-response passages among the three trumpets are particularly breathtaking.