I go back and forth to Japan, and as one can gather by your excellent post here, the Japanese record store always have a great selection of Jazz music. The collectable stores here are magnificent as well.
All I know about Japanese jazz passion is that in the 70’s, when I worked at J&R Jazz Marketplace in NYC, the imported Japanese pressings of jazz LPs were prized; virgin vinyl, etc. Visiting Japanese collectors would come to our store because the imports were cheaper in NY than at home!
Also, one night I went to a sushi bar with bassist Teruo Nakamura and his girlfriend. She and I were the only non-Japanese people there. The place was packed, but as soon as he walked in, three people stood up and gave us their seats at the bar! I was shocked. Marylin (his gf, my friend) whispered, “he’s kinda like the Beatles over there.”
I go back and forth to Japan, and as one can gather by your excellent post here, the Japanese record store always have a great selection of Jazz music. The collectable stores here are magnificent as well.
I hope to travel to Japan for the first time next February. Thanks for walking with us, Tosh.
Hop - Have you been to a jazz kissa?
This is great, Tyler! I want to go!
All I know about Japanese jazz passion is that in the 70’s, when I worked at J&R Jazz Marketplace in NYC, the imported Japanese pressings of jazz LPs were prized; virgin vinyl, etc. Visiting Japanese collectors would come to our store because the imports were cheaper in NY than at home!
Also, one night I went to a sushi bar with bassist Teruo Nakamura and his girlfriend. She and I were the only non-Japanese people there. The place was packed, but as soon as he walked in, three people stood up and gave us their seats at the bar! I was shocked. Marylin (his gf, my friend) whispered, “he’s kinda like the Beatles over there.”
C.L. - I had no idea Nakamura had that much pull back then. Nice.
BTW, where was J&R's located?
Only among the Japanese in NY did he have that kind of pull.
J&R was down near City Hall. The main store was 33 Park Row, Jazz Marketplace was around the corner on Nassau St.
Wow: another great one! Hai!