Hank Jones' The Great Jazz Trio - Blue Note, Tokyo, Japan, 2009-02-18 

a LOT of that is Billy Kilson himself....

I'd heard that too....

eric wilson I

Fred...you must be fairly young to wonder about that war.

Japan's leading role in WWII was the ultimate result of a massive, nationally orchestrated "westernization" which began in the Meiji Era of 1850s... by the 1920's, educated Japanese were full-on wearing suit and tie and smoking in jazz bars in Paris... That's just one factor. On the other hand, the 5 years after Japan was under US occupation led by General Douglas MacArthur, during which a new democratic constitution and government was established, the Emperor Hirohito was forced to admit over radio that he was not truly "divine God." This is all to say it is no mere accident that the Japanese, on literally the farthest region away from the birthplace of Jazz, is so like the western world, and especially American culture. Whether it is a horror of historical trauma only comparable to other 20th century socio-political catastrophes, or a testament and credit to the height of Japanese spiritual cultivation and cultural depth -- that is up to everyone to decide. As for myself, I am a Chinese American wondering when we'll get someone in the ranks :)

The reason that America and Japan share common ground is due to the latter being colonised after WWII.

@@eqapo You are obviously we'll versed in the history and culture of this topic and I am well out of my depth. Thank you for your informative view on this subject that I read with interest ..In closing I will say the world as a whole is living in interesting times and I can foresee a breaking point on the Horizon stay safe and covid free

@@eqapo very well said

He was 90 something here, so I wouldn't hold it against him ;)

ok boomer

@@bluemonk9480 Not a boomer. Born in 1945, so pre-boomer.

@@j.f.aitchison9903 nah, its just an expression. i'm born in 2000 and i still get called boomer. its a term used to dismiss people critiquing 'young people stuff' or whatever is new. Pretty cool that you're from the silent generation though!!

@@bluemonk9480 👌👍 Thankyou!

I actually agree man, drummers are extremely essential in a jazz trio or big band. But drum solos bore me to ungodly death--way too long, and sometimes misses rhythm 💀 same for bass sometimes. A good bass solo and drum solo is hard to find at times, but they’re out there