Chihiro Yamanaka 2022 Autumn Tour

This is my third time attending a Chihiro Yamanaka concert this year, but I never get tired of it no matter how many times I go.

This concert unusually started with a Duke Ellington song. She introduced the song, but I couldn't catch the English title. I suspect it was a track used in the movie 'Anatomy of a Murder.' It was a blues piece with an impressive bassline, and the way it gradually built up toward the second half was great; I was drawn in from the very first song. It was a good choice for an opening number.

After that, she played some relatively familiar songs and introduced one ballad from her new album coming out in December. It didn't feel quite like jazz; it had a somewhat European flair to it...

The second half continued with 'Rhapsody in Blue,' featuring Shunsuke Takeda (El P). We don't often get these kinds of special projects at concerts in the Kansai region, so it was fun. Ideally, it should be performed with two acoustic pianos, but well, it's a live music club, so two pianos are impossible.

For the encore, she switched from piano to her specialty—the bass—and started playing 'Autumn Leaves.' Bassist Ryo Hatakeyama supported her on piano.
I have heard Chihiro Yamanaka play bass a few times in the past. Technically, her playing is a bit shaky, but her improvised solos really shine and are worth listening to. This might have been the biggest hit of the night...

The encore continued with the usual 'Yagibushi' and 'So Long,' and just when I thought it was over, Chihiro suddenly said, 'Takeda-kun, can you play the blues?' and they started a blues in F with Chihiro Yamanaka on bass. Well, this is the real thrill of a jazz concert. I think they were already past the scheduled end time, but the audience was thrilled and it was a huge success.

Isn't the charm of a Chihiro Yamanaka concert simply that it's purely fun?
I feel that her performance technique and power, her ability to compose and arrange, and her appearance and free-spirited personality all combine to create a force that draws in the audience. Whenever I listen to her perform, there are times I think, 'Is this a bit too much?' but before I know it, I'm drawn in.

I'll be back... I muttered to myself as I headed home.

2022/10/3
Billboard OSAKA
Chihiro Yamanaka (Piano)
Ryo Hatakeyama (Bass)
Genki Hashimoto (Drums)
<Guest>
Shunsuke Takeda (Piano)