Das hier hatten wir schon, oder? Osby in dem Thread, den er früher im AAJ Forum hatte (Fragen in kursiv)
On the subject of pianists, I wanted to ask how you hooked up with Masabumi Kikuchi for this most recent string of dates in Japan. I understand from your website that it was billed as a duo tour. In Japan is he the „bigger“ star? I am just curious.
We were cast as equals I guess. Although he is a Japan native he has lived in New York since the late ’70’s so he is not well known to the younger generation of jazz fans there. Most of the people who came backstage after the concerts to congratulate him appeared to be closer to his age. The folks who wanted me to sign photos and CDs tended to be younger and knew of me much better.[…]
I know the Japanese are pretty hip to what’s happening over here and I know you’ve been touring Japan for decades now. Was the tour set up through him and his agent or yours?
It was a collaborative tour that was set up by my manager and the record company that of our duo release, KO Project (Kikuchi/Osby) „Beyond All“ 55 Records FNCJ-5509.
I met Poo around 1995. He knew of my work and wanted to meet me.
I have been doing a lot of duo work in the past year. There are 2 releases of me in duo format with pianist Marc Copland. There also is forthcoming release with master drummer Andrew Cyrille. I’ve done some duo concerts with pianist Michele Rosewoman. Poo and I recorded some of the Japan tour concerts live and are discussing the possibility of releasing some of the material. As I mentioned before, we have a release that is available now.
I am a BIG fan of his work in the 70s and 80s. Lately, his moaning and groaning has become somewhat of an annoyance despite the fact that he might be „saying“ something very profound and beautiful on the keyboard in between groans or during one.
I don’t necessarily understand it either. Maybe it helps him to focus and concentrate. It’s much more intense than even Keith Jarrett’s utterances – especially in Japan where the audiences are super quiet! I’ve learned to figure out a way to incorporate his sounds into our overall presentation and not allow it to distract me in any way.
Speaking of Kikuchi, I think it is noteworthy that I had the chance to see him last year at the Vanguard in June with Paul Motian and Trio 2000 (which also includes Larry Grenadier and saxophonist Chris Potter whom I mentioned in my last email and whom I definately recommend you check out some more).
I’ll be playing with Paul’s group at the Village Vanuard in April 2006.
I have heard Chris Potter. I’d much rather listen to Eddie „Lockjaw“ Davis, Coleman Hawkins, Don Byas, Lester Young, Eddie Harris, Ben Webster, Von Freeman, Stan Getz, Shorter, Rollins, Coltrane, etc. play tenor. Dig? There are legions of other bad young cats out there whom I feel are saying just as much or more in their playing and music in general. Different Strokes….
Also, how did he get the nickname Poo? Or is that just a name you gave him?
I have no answer to that one. I had nothing to do with it.
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