The Japan Foundation, Manila

ASIAN JAZZ TAKES CENTER STAGE THIS OCTOBER

The Japan Foundation paves the way for a new direction in Asian Jazz as it brings to Manila “Unit Asia”, a musical collective of notable jazz artists from Japan, Malaysia, Thailand, and the Philippines in October.

Unit Asia performs in Manila with Filipino jazz luminaries – Tots Tolentino (saxophone) on October 25, 7:30 pm at Merk’s Bar Bistro, Greenbelt 3, Ayala Center, Makati City, and Sitti (bossa nova vocalist) on October 28, 8pm at the Music Museum, Greenhills, San Juan. While the show on October 25 is strictly an invitational affair, the performance on October 28 is open to the public and free of admission charges. Reservations are required.

Unit Asia’s members are Isao Miyoshi (guitar, Japan), Koh Mr. Saxman (saxophone, Thailand), Tay Cher Siang (piano, Malaysia), Shigeki Ippon (bass, Japan), and Hiroyuki Noritake (drums, Japan).

Isao Miyoshi started out on the guitar while in high school, and developed an interest in jazz after entering college. In 1983, he made his debut with his own band, and performed with predominant musicians such as Kazutoki Umezu (as) and Tetsuo Sakurai (b). In 1992, he formed his own guitar trio, which has performed in lots of live performances. Their 1st album “SANKICHIZM”, released in 1995, won praise as an outstanding work that breaks the jazz guitar trio’s concept. He has then released various albums. A host of the outstanding are: In 1996, titled “Pineapple Island” recorded with Satoru Shionoya (pf) and etc; “Your Smile” in 1998, recorded with Toots Thielemans, a No.1 harmonica player of the world; “SURPRISE” in 2003; and in 2006, an acoustic duo album titled “First Touch”. Miyoshi has performed not only in Japan but has toured abroad extensively as well. His career has been enlarging into the pop field since 1999, particularly in the concert tours of Eikichi Yazawa (vo) and Ryoko Moriyama (vo). He obtains a great reliance as a leading figure in music and displayed his ability in diverse genres. Miyoshi Isao is highly respected as one of the Japanese jazz scene’s leading jazz guitarists.

Born in1973, Koh was taught his first instrument, the “Khlui” (Thai Flute), by his father. Koh experimented with many instruments during his childhood until he became deeply fascinated by the saxophone while in high school. With his natural talents and guidance from his music instructors, Koh became a professional musician when he was only 15 years old. At Chulalongkorn University, Koh became a member of the contemporary Thai band, “Boy Thai”. The success of “Boy Thai” led him to join many other leading bands, and made him one of the most -sought after studio musicians, backing up many big name artists. In 2002, Koh released his first solo album “Mr. Saxman” – hinting at his versatility in a number of musical styles from jazz, pop, fusion, latin, reggae, contemporary Thai and even country Thai music. The success of “Mr.Saxman” established Koh as Thailand’s newest sensation on the saxophone, which earned him several invitations of perform overseas. Koh also devotes his time to educate a new generation of saxophonists through “Sax Society”, a music school and venue for jazz devotees to exchange everything about sax and jazz.

Tay Cher Siang started his piano lessons learning classical music. He then took up an interest in Jazz during his teenage years and began to pursue his musical journey as a jazz pianist. He got his Bachelor’s degree in Music Performance from West Virginia University and then a Masters Degree in Jazz Pedagogy. His achievements include winning the WVU Young Artist Competition in 2004, the HERF Top-Off Award and the Valerie Canady Award. Throughout the years, Tay performed regularly as a soloist, as well as with ensembles such as the WVU Big Band and the WVU Wind Symphony Orchestra. He was awarded a Young Artist Competition Winner, playing in concerts as classical and jazz pianist, with various groups. Other than performing, Tay composes and arranges for big band and small groups. He is currently teaching at UCSI and The Talent Makers in Kuala Lumpur. Since his return to Malaysia, he has been active in the Kuala Lumpur jazz scene.

Shigeki Ippon learned contrabass under Yoshio Nagashima in the Tokyo National University of Fine Arts and Music. In 2000, he launched his performance career as a professional musician while graduating from that college. Since then, he has performed in many live concerts of various artists such as Kiyohiko Semba (perc), Isao Miyoshi (gt), GONTITI, Hajime Mizoguchi (vc), Taro Hakase (vn), Ayaka Hirahara (vo) and has participated in numerous recording sessions for J-Pop artists’ CM, TV, and soundtracks. He has performed in several stages as a musician and has been extending his range of activity in various genres. Using both contrabass and electric bass with supple musical capacity from western classical music through jazz and pop, Shigeki Ippon is a remarkable artist for the coming generation.

Hiroyuki Noritake spent his boyhood mastering all sorts of drumming style. In 1985, while in the Kobe University, he participated in “THE SQUARE”, a well-known Japanese fusion group and launched his professional career. They have gained lots of experience from US tours and recordings abroad, as well as several live performances and recording sessions of various artists. They won the Japan Gold Disc Award (Jazz division) ten times. In 1999, Noritake released his solo album “DREAMS CAN GO” and displayed his ability as a composer. In 2000, he left from “THE SQUARE” and since then has performed with versatile J-Pop artists such as Misia (vo), extending his music in a variety of genres. In 2002, he performed with the orchestre Lamoureux as a guest conducted by Yutaka Sado in Paris, where his rendering was highly appreciated. He has performed with several orchestras such as the Kansai Philharmonic Orchestra and Siena Wind Orchestra, where he lent his supple and diversified drumming. In 2004, he formed a twin drum unit “Synchronized DNA” with Akira Jimbo (drs). This unique unit draws lots of attention in the future development.

Although already musical heavyweights in their own right, the musicians joined to pool their talents in this unique collaboration that will have them tour 5 cities in Southeast Asia (Singapore, Brunei, Manila, Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok) in October and November.

For inquiries and reservations, call the Japan Foundation, Manila at telephone numbers 811-6155 to 58; fax 811-6153; or email: email@jfmo.org.ph.