I felt like I was at Blue Note NY

Yesterday, I went to see Makoto Ozone's live performance.
A Big Band Jazz live show.

It was my first time seeing Makoto Ozone with such a large band, but from the very first song, the intensity was world-class. The production was elaborate, and the atmosphere felt completely different.
Even though I was in Japan, it felt like I was at the Blue Note in New York, capturing that authentic swing jazz live experience.

Moreover, everyone was Japanese.
The fact that they could deliver such a masterpiece made me feel somewhat proud.

The composition started with the bass, and the sound pressure was incredible right from the start. The drums had an outstanding sense of groove, and while each individual was amazing, you could really feel them coming together as a cohesive 'band,' which made me realize, 'Ah, they've been doing this for 20 years.'

The trombone solos in the second and third songs were particularly impressive, with such a wide range and depth of sound. It was my first time really listening to the trombone like this, and it was incredibly interesting.

The first half focused on dynamic, energetic songs, while the second half featured more mellow tracks.
Standing out among them was Makoto Ozone's 'rhythm monster' performance. Are his right and left hands really from the same person? It seemed similar to Chick Corea, yet it had that original 'Ozone' feel that no one else can imitate.

The finale was 'Got to Be Happy'.
It was a different, monstrous arrangement compared to the piano version, and the saxophone was especially cool. I reaffirmed that the saxophone's range is my favorite.

Overall, it didn't feel like a 'Japanese live show' in the best possible way.
I love bossa nova and classical music, but I really hope this band performs standard jazz again next year.