Since big-band jazz music was brought to Japan during World War II, Japanese interest in the musical genre has skyrocketed. Over time, Japanese musicians have given this western musical style a uniquely Japanese aesthetic by taking the best elements of the American tradition and building upon them to create a new, innovative form of jazz.

This evening’s program, hosted by Cory Combs, Executive Director, InterMusic SF, will analyze the history of Japanese jazz starting in the war reconstruction era, all the way to today’s New York-like jazz clubs in Tokyo, where these innovations still take place.

Musical performances by Toshiko Akiyoshi, Hiromi, Stomu Takeishi, and The Ruins exemplify how Japanese jazz has been adopted and transformed in the modern age.

** No previous knowledge of jazz music is required! This presentation is intended for all audiences. **

Speaker Profile:

Cory Combs
Executive Director, InterMusicSF

Cory Combs is an educator, lecturer, program director, bassist, and composer living in the San Francisco Bay Area. He has performed with many internationally known artists, recorded multiple CDs as a leader, and lectured frequently on the intersection of arts and culture.

As a lecturer, Combs has presented at the Asian Art Museum, The Jewish Community Center, SFJAZZ, Davies Symphony Hall, Herbst Theater, City College, San Francisco State University, the Fullerton Museum, the Pacific Asian Museum, and on the radio program Forum. Combs has performed on-stage interviews with numerous international performing artists, including Archie Shepp, Toumani Diabate, Hiromi, James Moody, The Bad Plus, Kevin Eubanks, Bill Frisell, John Scofield, and Bobby McFerrin.

Prior to joining InterMusic SF, he directed the Outreach, Music, and Enrichment departments at the Nueva School, a Blue Ribbon Award Winning K-12 school in Silicon Valley. Before his tenure at Nueva, Combs served as Director of Education at SFJAZZ, the non-profit organization behind the San Francisco Jazz Festival. At SFJAZZ, he was part of the leadership team that envisioned and executed the SFJAZZ Center. Additionally, Combs directed the jazz program at the American Festival of the Arts in Houston, Texas. He continues to be an active lecturer, and guest clinician at colleges and high schools.

Schedule:

5.30 – 6:00 PM   Networking/Japanese catering & drinks

6:00 – 7:00 PM   Presentation & 15 minute Q&A

7:00 – 7:30 PM   Networking