Takuya Kuroda on Jazz, New York, and Blending Genres

Musical Beginnings in Japan

• 🎺 Takuya Kuroda started playing the trumpet in junior high school, inspired by his older brother who played trombone.
• 💡 He joined the jazz big band, initially imitating his brother but later dreaming of becoming a legend.

Mentorship and Genre Blending

• 🎓 At the Berklee College of Music, Kuroda met jazz vocalist José James, who became a significant mentor.
• 🌍 James introduced Kuroda to international touring and the concept of contemporary crossover music, blending jazz with funk and hip-hop.
• 🤝 James also produced Kuroda's debut album, opening many doors for his career.

The New York Jazz Scene

• 🗽 After his studies, Kuroda moved to New York City, which he describes as a vital "melting pot" for musicians.
• 🚀 For 20 years, he has experienced New York as a place where young musicians from around the world converge to experiment and develop their own styles.
• 🌟 He believes New York remains the premier city for artistic pursuit and innovation in jazz.

"Everyday" Album Philosophy

• 💿 Kuroda's eighth studio album, "Everyday," signifies a return to his roots and a focus on consistent daily practice.
• 🔑 The album's message emphasizes that achieving goals requires dedication and routine, with no shortcuts.
• 🏋️ The trumpet itself is highlighted as a physical instrument demanding daily practice to maintain proficiency.

Japanese Jazz Scene and Future

• 🇯🇵 Kuroda acknowledges the strong and respected jazz scene in Japan, particularly in Tokyo, influenced by American jazz musicians from the 60s and 70s.
• 🎤 He describes his recent performance at Paris's New Morning venue as one of the best he's experienced.
• ✍️ When writing new music, Kuroda focuses on developing individual ideas into a complete picture, rather than planning an entire album at once.