Japan Day 10 - Stumbling on one of the jazz bars in Akasaka

Walked down Akasaka on my last night in Tokyo, stumbed on a Jazz bar with Live performance , a trio which comprises of a pianist, double bassist and vocalist.

Was the last customer to arrive at 1030pm and their set was supposed to end at 1045, but they extended just for me..all the way to 1am.

Having Piazolla pieces performed at my request! Amazing bowing technique from the bassist, who is actually classically-trained. Video below..



Lastly..after having the place to ourselves when the rest of the musicians have left, the double bassist invited me to jam with him. I've always been way too shy to experiment but after a drink, I relaxed and went on to the piano as well. We played a few jazz standards, and it was a v. rare chance for me to play with professional musicians I think. Then also because I'm a visitor from overseas, we had a long chat after that about music, about jazz, about life.

When I asked what time does the bar closes, the owner (a bossa nova singer herself) said that the bar will stay open for as long as I stayed there. Left at around 2am, happy that I wrapped up my trip here with a good night out and made new friends. I said I'll be back again, and hopefully I will keep my word.

Tokyo hasn't been so bad after all. Just that big cities depresses me sometimes because nothing is worse than feeling alone when you are not exactly alone. One needs friends in cities. Definitely.