Jazz Is, a jazz bar in Kannai, was a special place for many jazz lovers. This bar was known for its intimate setting, where music aficionados could enjoy live jazz performances by talented musicians while sipping on a glass of their favorite drink. In 2002, we visited Jazz Is for the first time, and it was an experience we will never forget. The great jazz pianist Tsuyoshi Yamamoto was playing that evening, and we were thrilled to see him perform live. We had been listening to Tsuyoshi for decades on vinyl, but this was the first time we had ever seen him in person.

As we arrived at Jazz Is, we were warmly greeted by the staff and shown to our seats. The atmosphere was cozy and inviting, with dim lighting and a stage that was just the right size for an intimate jazz performance. We ordered our drinks and settled in for an evening of music. The moment Tsuyoshi Yamamoto took the stage, the room was filled with his enchanting melodies, and we were swept away by his talent.

As the night progressed, we decided to introduce ourselves to Tsuyoshi, and he graciously welcomed us. We had brought along our vinyl albums and a few of his CDs, and he kindly autographed them for us. We then spent the rest of the evening chatting with Tsuyoshi about jazz, life, and many other subjects. We were struck by how down-to-earth he was, despite his incredible talent.

Drinking shochu together and sharing our love for jazz was a truly special experience. As the evening came to a close, we knew that this was a memory that would stay with us forever. We left Jazz Is feeling inspired, fulfilled, and grateful for the opportunity to witness such a memorable performance by one of the greatest jazz pianists of all time.

Sadly, our favorite jazz bar is now permanently closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but the memories of that magical evening at Jazz Is will always remain with us. For anyone visiting the Tokyo area, we highly recommend checking out Tsuyoshi Yamamoto’s performances at other jazz clubs. He continues to play almost every night and is a must-see for any jazz enthusiast. In conclusion, Jazz Is was an unforgettable experience that we will cherish for the rest of our lives.