Jazz Art Sengawa 2012

The alternative to Tokyo Jazz Festival is both far less commercially minded and far more predictable in its booking choices. The same musicians tend to pop up each year at Jazz Art Sengawa, most of them plucked from the orbits of the event's three main organisers: Hikashu leader Koichi Makigami, cellist Hiromichi Sakamoto and bassist Kiyoshi Fujiwara. Highlights this year include klezmer-chindon ensemble Cicala Mvta, a collaboration between saxman Kazutoki Umezu and tap dancer Kazunori Kumagai, and – of course – the climactic performance of John Zorn's 'Cobra', conducted by Makigami himself. The main concerts are supplemented by gigs at the nearby Jenny's Kitchen and Kick Back Cafe, though note that these must be paid for separately.