Two tables away from where I sit, sits longtime employee and very musically talented Osamu Nagai. Nagai san and his band Mothership (http://www.myspace.com/osamunagai) play around Tokyo from time to time in intimate venues, playing selections of originals that have essence of Rhythm, Blues, Rock, mixed ever so delicately with Japanese stylings. A handful of us in the department were invited to see Nagai san play at the Crocodile in Shibuya about a week ago.
I, of course, forgot to bring my camera to the venue, because we scrambled to leave on time and I didn't grab it. I have two iPhone photos, but I encourage you to visit his website (http://www.nagai-osamu.com/) and the above myspace link where you can listen to his music.
We listened to both sets and were there from 7:30pm to 10:30pm. Wonderful music, delicious Japanese beer, professional musicians with decades of experience, what more do you need? After the show, Nagai san and I chatted about the gig and he was very excited and happy he actually was able to perform for an American that enjoyed his music. He spent some time growing up in St. Louis and the influence of R&B and Jazz really could be heard. I've heard rumors of him jamming with Chuck Berry and other famous musicians in the US, but I have not confirmed them yet.
We've been invited to his retirement party in late May, which will include another performance. We are really looking forward to listening again. I promise to get some better pictures and possibly video.
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