Masumi YamamotoがTrevor Lawrenceと新アルバム収録予定曲を世界初公開　プレ「神奈川大学宮陵会設立90周年記念」JAZZコンサート チケット好評販売中

In a significant fusion of Japanese and American jazz artistry, pianist and composer Masumi Yamamoto will present world premieres of new compositions alongside renowned saxophonist Trevor Lawrence at an upcoming jazz concert in Yokohama. The event, held on November 9th at the historic Yokohama Port Opening Memorial Hall, serves as a prelude to the 90th anniversary of the Kanagawa University Kyuryo Association.

Masumi Yamamoto, a Kanagawa University alumna who maintains an active presence both in Japan and Los Angeles, has garnered international acclaim, including a top-five placement on the Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop charts for her US releases. Her 2025 album "Crater On The Moon - REDISCOVERED -" earned notable recognition, ranking tenth in the instrumental category of the prestigious Jazz Critique Disc Awards that year.

The concert marks a rare collaboration between Yamamoto's ensemble, known as TLQ plus, and Trevor Lawrence, whose extensive career includes work with legendary figures such as Stevie Wonder and The Rolling Stones. Accompanied by bassist Mark Tourian and drummer Gene Jackson, the group promises a dynamic and immersive jazz experience.

Attendees will have the unique opportunity to hear selections from Yamamoto's forthcoming album, slated for release in 2027, showcasing fresh material that has never before been performed publicly. The program will also revisit acclaimed tracks from her previous album, offering a comprehensive picture of her evolving sound.

Adding a generational dimension to the evening, the Kanagawa University Jazz Research Institute—an active student ensemble—will open the concert, fostering a spirit of intergenerational exchange through jazz. This inclusion underscores the event’s broader cultural resonance beyond the university community, as it is open to the general public.

Yamamoto's playing style is frequently linked to a lineage of jazz piano greats such as Dorothy Donegan, Hazel Scott, McCoy Tyner, and Oscar Peterson. She merges classical precision with vigorous jazz expression, crafting a contemporary voice that honors this heritage while asserting its distinctiveness.

The Kanagawa University Kyuryo Association, which organizes this event, is utilizing the concert as part of its celebratory activities leading up to its 90th year. The choice of venue, a symbol of Yokohama's rich history and architecture, adds a layer of cultural significance to the performance.

Tickets for the concert are available to the public, reflecting an inclusive approach that extends beyond university affiliates, inviting both seasoned jazz enthusiasts and newcomers alike to engage with this milestone event.

While the specific details of the new album remain under wraps, the collaboration between Yamamoto and Lawrence, coupled with the event’s historical context, sets the stage for a noteworthy moment in contemporary jazz. Observers anticipate that this fusion of talents and traditions will yield a compelling addition to the international jazz landscape.