Notes from the Journey: Japan

It was exactly a month ago that I had the tremendous honor to visit and perform in Tokyo, Japan. It is a experience I am still digesting because of who everything came down (so nicely) and also because of my personal, intimate love affair with japanese culture and everybody who knows a thing or two about me might have heard me say in the past that going to Japan was one of my biggest dreams, that luckily for me came true.

Lets start with the place, is everything you imagine and then more. I was staying in Shibuya at a really nice other thanks to the organizers that at all times took care of all my needs (actually there was little i could do for myself since there where very alert at all times of everything from my schedule to the dinner and lunch times, everything we ate and drank) the hospitality I recieved was unparalleled with anything or any event i’ve been involved before. And if that is the Japanese way, be damn sure i want some more of that

The people is just fantastic, really really charming in their own way. I was surprised how SOULFUL they are is just natural. I am a soulful spirit living in places somethings i don’t feel that connection with anybody but in japan i felt like if everybody was feeling the same energy i was, just imagine.

The place…wao. Thanks to my incredible assistant there Nanako-chan, i was able to do some slight sightseeing even tho my visit to japan was relatively short and we had a really tight agenda. The first day there, after leaving our bags in the hotel I went and met THE MAN, mr. Shuya Okino, my newfound brother in music and life and the motor behind the oportunity of me getting down there and playing at the Tokyo Crossosver Jazz Festival along the fantastic talent of people like Navasha Daya (whom i met for the first time and is such a en lighted spirit no wonder the magic she projects in everything she does) Paul Randolph (sencond time meeting Paul, a person that has helped me out on many levels, that I admire for his musicianship and human values) Diviniti (incredible, full of happiness and joy human being that really captivates you and infuse you of that great energy)  Plus and incredible array of musicians and DJs from Japan that are so talented, that i stay  humbled of being even counted among them for this incredible event.

So back to might sight seeing adventure, one of my highlights was going to the Asakusa Temple in Japan.  Had my conection with spirits there, received light for this new year and definitely sealed my conviction that nothing was ever random with my love and passion for japan, i think it was my destiny to at some point stand on that very ground and I happy i am fulfilling this.  Among my other activities  where a massive desire for KOREAN BBQ, wich i love  and was introduced to the first night with a dinner with some of the musician involved in the event. I, myself a food lover got some serious treats as I was introduced to some of the Japanese cuisine, really enjoyed that.

Another really touching moment was playing at Shuya Okino’s radioshow the night before the event. I was really surprised how incredibly supported it was by japanese audience. At one point i think I saw  a large number of  THOUSANDS of people  logged into the ustream video feed. That was scary, but really cool and definetly eased things out for my formal introduction to the japanese audience.

And so, finally its showtime!  Here we are at the Ebisu Garden Hall, a place that has been blessed in the past but all kind of dope acts from Jamiroquai to everybody. And this night will hold the Tokyo Crossover Jazz Festival including my first performance ever in japan.

It was a 60 minutes show in wich I DJ some of my original material, remixes and really dope classics I enjoy from my favorite music makers.  The reception was good  I felt the love but for a DJ, 1 hour sometimes can’t be as much as we wanted to play. Luckily, Shuya and the organizers had the solution for that. 1st, after the festival we had a after party at Shuya’s club THE ROOM in Shibuya. Not sure, but i think i spun a few more records there but what I did was GETTIN DOWN with the live jam that was happening there. Yup, so i got on the piano and then at some point on vocals (WTF) and just drove the night away with a big smile on my face.  <3 you japan.

The next day I had a gig with none other that DJ KAWASAKI, a really big name in soulful house. So we got back into the Room this time did a nice 4 to 5 hour set. For me it was magical, small but discerned crowd, low lights,  foggy room and a dope soundsystem as I left my last music mark in Japanese soil.  The next day, it was time to say goodbye Nanako-chan my loving mother/sister /assistant over there took care of everything so I could board my plane back to germany then back home in Barcelona.

In conclusion, going to Japan was one of the greatest experiences i’ve had in my life and I think the energy that was left there is something in progress that will pull me more and more times there as my love, understanding and appreciation for that magic place grows.

Arigato,

Ezel.