My concern is being honest to my own sense of aesthetics: Makoto Nakamura

Next week, the Makoto Nakamura Trio will display their musical virtuosity in Mumbai. Japanese pianist Makoto Nakamura, jazz drummer Ko Omura and jazz bassist D Wood are all set to recreate new standards in a classic trio setting. The concert will include excerpts from the modern jazz idiom and pay homage to Bill Evans, Cedar Walton, Hank Jones and Keith Jarrett. Nakamura talks to After Hrs about collaborating with Omura and Wood, how the sound of jazz has changed and more.

What songs will the Makoto Nakamura Trio play at the concert?

We plan to perform renditions of our own pieces such as Nardis and My Foolish Heart other than Old Standards such as Miles Davis’ Stella by Starlight, which many have covered.

Tell us something about your collaboration with Ko Omura and D Wood.

The collaboration is an initiative of The Bombay Jazz Club founded by D Wood and Rajesh Punjabi, which curates international jazz events and works with live music venues. Jazz is a mostly improvised musical conversation. There is a rich history behind the art form and it has always been a mixture of numerous cultures. I came to India in 2017 for the first time and met D Wood, who hails from America — the land of jazz. Ko Omura has been playing in my trio since 2016 and we’ve made one record together. Being able to collaborate with them in India is a treat. They have a genuine understanding of the diversity the music has to offer. Especially in a place like India, which is a land of diversity.

When you interpret pieces by great musicians, is there a concern about how it will be received?

My concern is being honest to my own sense of aesthetics. That being preserved, the audience will feel something out of it — whatever that impression may be. Not the other way around, that is, being concerned with how people will think of the interpretations.

How were you exposed to jazz? Who have been your influences?

My father is a Japanese traditional musician. He was also an avid listener of many styles of music. In his record collection, I found a number of Bill Evans’ records. Since then, I checked out other greats such as Thelonious Monk, Bud Powell and Keith Jarrett. Their music has had a huge impact on me.

Can you give us an insight into how jazz has changed of late?

Many ideas have come but I personally think we have entered an era where it is difficult to create something completely new. It is entirely up to the artiste to come up with their own voice. That is shaping a variety of styles prevalent in the latest jazz idiom.

Who are your favourite jazz musicians?

Among the new musicians, Wynton Marsalis is a torchbearer. Total virtuoso on his instrument, at the same time, understands the history of where the music came from. He’s always challenging himself to progress musically. Among the legends, I admire Louis Armstrong because I think he has strong roots in black soul music.

Do you follow Indian jazz?

I am not an expert but someone like Trilok Gurtu, I think, is a true innovator and has his own stamp in the world of jazz.

The Makoto Nakamura Trio will perform at NCPA, Experimental Theatre on February 28, 7 pm.