Trumpet player Takuya Kuroda on the New York jazz scene and his genre-blending style • FRANCE 24

Key Concepts

• Musical Influences: Hip-hop, soul, jazz, funk, postbop.
• Instruments: Trumpet, trombone, saxophone, piano.
• Key Locations: Kobe (Japan), Boston (Berklee College of Music), New York City.
• Collaborations: Jose James.
• Album: "Everyday" (eighth studio album).
• Artistic Philosophy: Dedication, routine, consistent practice, building from scratch.
• Jazz Scene: Japan (well-established, influenced by American jazz), New York City (melting pot, hub for innovation).

Musical Journey and Influences

Takuya Kuroda, a jazz musician and trumpeter, discusses his musical journey, which began in Kobe, Japan. His initial foray into music was inspired by his older brother, who played trombone. Kuroda followed suit, picking up the trumpet and joining the jazz big band in high school. While initially imitating his brother, he later aspired to emulate the "legends" he saw in videos, dreaming of achieving a similar level of artistry.

Collaboration with Jose James and Early Career

A significant turning point in Kuroda's career was his time at Berklee College of Music in Boston, where he met jazz vocalist Jose James. James played a pivotal role by bringing Kuroda on his world tours, including his first visit to Paris approximately 15 years prior. James exposed Kuroda to a contemporary fusion of jazz with funk and hip-hop, a style that deeply influenced his own musical direction. Furthermore, Jose James produced Kuroda's debut album 10 years ago, "opening up a lot of doors" for him.

New York City: The Melting Pot of Jazz

Following his time in Boston, Kuroda moved to New York City, a city he describes as the "melting pot" for musicians. He believes New York remains the premier location for aspiring jazz artists to pursue their dreams and artistic ambitions. After 20 years in the city, he observes a continuous influx of young musicians bringing "new ideas, new culture," and engaging in a process of "try and error" to create unique styles.

The Eighth Studio Album: "Everyday"

Kuroda's eighth studio album, "Everyday," released earlier this year, reflects a return to fundamental principles. After exploring various styles in his previous seven albums, the inspiration for "Everyday" stems from the message of consistent effort and routine. Kuroda emphasizes that success, whether as an artist or in any profession, requires daily work and dedication, stating, "you just can't miss a day." This philosophy is directly linked to the album's title and its rhythmic aspect, but also carries a dual meaning of the persistent effort required in any endeavor.

The Trumpet: A Physical Instrument

Kuroda's choice of the trumpet is attributed to its highly physical nature. He explains that playing the trumpet demands daily practice to maintain proficiency and be "on the stage." This contrasts with his earlier experiences with other instruments like the saxophone and piano during his teenage years, where he felt a "special something" with the trumpet that necessitated consistent engagement.

The Jazz Scene in Japan

Despite New York being a global jazz hub, Kuroda highlights the strong and well-respected jazz scene in Japan. He feels fortunate to have grown up in a country with numerous jazz clubs. The influence of American jazz musicians visiting Japan in the 1960s and 70s had a profound impact, fostering a vibrant scene, particularly in Tokyo, with many musicians and venues. This environment, he notes, "really helped me, you know, encourage me going to New York."

Current Tour and Future Music Creation

Kuroda is currently on tour in Europe, with a second performance scheduled at the New Morning venue in Paris. He describes his recent gig at New Morning as "amazing," one of the best he's experienced there. Regarding his creative process for new music, Kuroda doesn't conceptualize an entire album at once. Instead, he begins with a "one scratch idea" and gradually develops it into a larger piece, building the "whole picture one by one."

Conclusion

Takuya Kuroda's career is characterized by a dedication to his craft, a willingness to explore diverse musical genres, and a deep appreciation for the foundational principles of consistent practice. His journey from Kobe to Boston and then to New York, influenced by collaborations and the vibrant jazz scenes in different locations, has culminated in his latest album, "Everyday," which champions the importance of daily effort. His current European tour and his methodical approach to music creation suggest a continued evolution and contribution to the contemporary jazz landscape.