March 5th [Mon] 18:00-20:00 / Marunouchi Building Hall Director: SOEJIMA Teruto [jazz critic] The development of jazz is marked by its absorption of various traits from other musical genres. Its history is full of free and innovative changes. What is now said to be “outside jazz” could become mainstream during the next generation. Here, I introduce three groups that currently represent Japanese jazz in 2007. Although each has its own musical character and aim, a new attitude towards improvisation is common to the three groups, and that is what made me choose them. SXQ saxquintet SXQ sax quintet formed in 2001 with the intent to be an ensemble focusing on the raw sonority of the saxophone itself, rather than melodies and compositions. Now seeking the balance between these two aspects, their music combines ideas exploring sonority and improvisation, including experimental challenges. In addition to live performances, works recorded at various spaces such as outdoor locations, halls and studios are being produced. Salle Gaveau Formed by cutting-edge musicians KIDO Natsuki (g), KITA Naoki (vln), SATO Yoshiaki (acc), TORIGOE Keisuke (contrabass) and HAYASHI Masaki (pf), this quintet employs the rhythm of tango and plays music which aims beyond that of Piazzola. It is a remarkable group identifiable by the novelty of its compositions, technical achievements and capacity for improvisation. In April, Salle Gaveau will perform at France's Rock in Opposition festival. Hikashu Formed in 1978. Debuted as a new-wave rock / techno-pop band in 1979. Hikashu's uniqueness was established through the fusion of an extraordinary singing ability, dry guitar tones, distinctive sounds produced by the rhythm box and mellotron, and influences from underground theater. Since then, “the world of Hikashu” - humorous, acutely insightful and full of irony - has expanded. Absorbing techno, noise, jazz, improvisation and ethnic music, Hikashu's newest work is Ten Ten (makigami records). ·Director：SOEJIMA Teruto Mainly focusing on avant-garde jazz and renown for working at the coalface of musicians' practice, Soejima has observed the many changes undergone in contemporary Japanese jazz. He also possesses a thorough knowledge of international jazz scenes, and has long been devoted to introducing Japanese jazz to the world. Last year, he worked as the artistic director of Jazz in Japan, organized by Maison de la culture du Japon a Paris. Among his books is Nihon Free Jazz Shi [History of Japanese Free Jazz].