Koichi Hirata. My new favorite guitar player

[AllanAllen]

Thanks. I want to listen to Hirata'a version and see if I have a new favorite of one of my favorite bebop tunes. (other than this classic one).

That album is great too.

[bediles]

After reading the OP, this is the solo I thought of! It’s untouchable, of course, but I still like the young guy’s playing.

Not to change the subject, but Raney is just unreal. I transcribed this solo in college. He plays the tune faster than Bird, and plays ahead of the changes in an astonishing, controlled, and consistent manner.

Oh gotta check this out. Cheers!

[montes707]

For this style these really old recordings of JVR at The Crow are nice little goldmine

http://https://archive.org/details/iuma-jesse_van_ruller_at_the_crow

Good stuff man. Thanks

[montes707]

Anthropology is such a masterpiece, and diving into that solo is like uncovering hidden treasure! The way he navigates those rhythm changes is pure magic, reminiscent of the legends like Bud Powell and Wes Montgomery. It's incredible how someone so young can command the guitar with such mastery. Truly a monster player, leaving us all in awe.

It really is amazing...one of the best rhythm changes solos I've ever heard on ANY instrument. You could stop pretty much anywhere in the solo and have something to take from. Thankful to have stumbled upon him.

[montes707]

Thanks. I want to listen to Hirata'a version and see if I have a new favorite of one of my favorite bebop tunes. (other than this classic one).

Never heard of this take from Raney; thanks for the recommendation. Hirata's solo on Anthropology can he found here:

He takes the first solo and Fumika Asari takes the second.

[murphybridget837]

Each musician brings their unique style and interpretation to a piece, infusing it with their own personality and creativity. Exploring different interpretations of classic bebop tunes can be a thrilling journey!

[yebdox]

That album is great too.

I have that album in digital format, interesting that it's cleaned up and dropped a few cents from the recording on Youtube, which sounds like it came from a turntable with a slight speed issue. Anyway, great track, lots of useful lines. Jimmy and Doug were both amazing!

[montes707]

Just added this to the playlist; missed it during my initial deep dive. His performance on this one start around 1:47:00. This time he's playing duo with a piano player.

This is his other appearance at that festival; this time in a quartet led by Patrick Bartley. Starts around 1:58:45

[montes707]

Koichi @ Smalls with Benny Benack III

[Christian Miller]

A very fine player!


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[montes707]

Koichi's live debut album has just been posted. Beautiful stuff

Introducing Koichi Hirata - Live at alfie - YouTube

[AllanAllen]

Excellent!!

[montes707]

Excellent!!

Favorites so far are The Shadow of Your Smile and Frame for the Blues...man I'm replaying that blues solo now...his bebop is awesome but it's really nice to hear him play the blues with some real GREASE. Great track

[AllanAllen]

I like the bass solo on Fungii Mama

[Boss Man Zwiebelsohn]

Favorites so far are The Shadow of Your Smile and Frame for the Blues...man I'm replaying that blues solo now...his bebop is awesome but it's really nice to hear him play the blues with some real GREASE. Great track

I do not really find it really too greasy and rather polished but I did like listening to it it nonetheless.

If I like some real grease I rather listen to some Ofer Landsberg.

EDIT: Of course Ofer is some years older and more experienced but it is the outcome that counts for me.

[2bornot2bop]

Koichi knows his way around a ballad equally well…

[montes707]

If you like Koichi's style then also listen to Yoshiaki Okayasu, who was his former teacher.

Dude...thank you so much for that recommendation. I'm currently on a deep dive of him and his teacher Yoshiaki Miyanoue. They actually came out with an album together "Yoshiaki!!" Very good stuff. I like how Mr. Okayasu has more of a Kenny Burrell/Grant Green thing going while Mr. Miyanoue is pure Wes, thumb and all.

[AllanAllen]

I'm digging Okayasu's Live at Island Cafe

[stevus]

Yes, that's my favourite recording too. Met him in Tokyo. Nice guy, but only speaks Japanese.

[SandChannel]

You can also find his album on Spotify and it is recommended listening.

[stevus]

Many of his earlier albums were out of stock for a long time, as his previous record label doesn't exist anymore. However, a few years ago he was so kind to send me digital versions. It is good news to see that they reappeared on Spotify now, so that more people can enjoy his great guitar playing.

[montes707]

高橋将トリオ ‪@pluseleven_ageo_saitama‬ 20241103 - YouTube

Another great trio live stream fresh off the presses lol go to 34:30 for another take on Anthropology...one of the few players that I can continuously listen to on Rhythm Changes...he has it all: bebop lines, melodicism, the blues, octaves, and some chord work. So so good

[montes707]

Been awhile since I've updated this list: here's Koichi playing probably my 2nd favorite solo ever on So What/Impressions changes...2nd only to Wes for me.