In Fall 2013, I initiated a project that I hoped to be the start of a new perspective on not just modern Japanese music and its fusion with jazz elements, but on music in general. The realization of this project is called the "J-MUSIC Ensemble", where at the Manhattan School of Music, we take a look at the world of Japanese music from roughly the late 1980s to now, and approach it from the perspective of the world we all generally come from--jazz. With this, we study the interesting relationship Japan has had with America since the 1930s, and see how both countries have influenced each other in ways that most people aren't aware of. The most important aspect of this mission, of course, is to continue bringing live music to those who need it--which is everyone!

This collection contains select tracks from our final live performance of the 2013-2014 school year, and they range from video game soundtracks to songs from various Japanese Rock and Electronic bands/musicians.

The Lineup:

Patrick Bartley - Soprano and Alto Saxophone, Akai EWI
Sam Torres - Tenor Saxophone
Jon Hatamiya - Trombone
St. Clair Simmons III - Trombone, Lead Vocals
Kyle Athayde - Vibraphone
Tom Wilson - Piano and Keyboard/Synthesizer
Max Calkin - Electric Bass
Joe Peri - Drums

As the next year comes, I hope to continue this project and get studio recordings, as well as perform at venues and Anime/VG Conventions that would love to have live J-Music performed!

Weekend (Worldend) Is Coming (sasakure.UK)

Giant Steps Demo

Here are some tracks from our Spring 2015 concert at the Manhattan School of Music - our last one here! - dedicated to the Vocaloid music (among other things) composer sasakure.UK.

We pay homage to this genius musician by transcribing and arranging his music for our unique instrumentation, and by playing it with all of our heart, might, and soul. 

Tiger Rampage (Live Cover)

Sonatala

Harmen Fraanje Quartet - Mulle (2004)

November composed by Jasper Dutz

Jasper Dutz - bass clarinet
Michael Wang - trombone
John Koozin - acoustic bass
Jeremy Corren - piano
Jongkuk Kim - drums

November (comp. Jasper Dutz)

The Pulitzer Prize-winning musician talks about how his new work "the ever-funky lowdown" fits in the current conversation around race and how rap and hip-hop is damaging to that conversation.

This interview includes strong language, including the n-word

Jazz artist Wynton Marsalis says rap and hip-hop are 'more damaging than a statue of Robert E. Lee'

A track from the upcoming Claudio Leone Quintet album, 'People and Places.'  We hope you enjoy!  Composed by Claudio Leone.

Claudio Leone - Guitar
Clay Lyons - Alto Saxophone
Christian Li - Piano
Hoo Kim - Bass
Angelo Spampinato - Drums

Hic Sunt Leones

This is my first original collaborate with Koreans great musicians ;) Enjoy!
Prod.&Eng.: Young Kim, Co-Prod. & Comp.:Frida Obadja, Orch.: Jongho You, Ld Vox: Cho Young Ahn, Pno-Rhd-Synth: Woojin Song, Bass: Joshua Minseok, Drums: Jesse Maynard, Choir: Frida Obadja, Young Kim, Daniel Park.

Everybody Needs Love

Long Tone Thunder (If you take yourself too seriously, you will never sound good)

I play the trombone and do some other stuff too

November (comp. Jasper Dutz)

Michael Wang

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