Drummer Shuichi "Ponta" Murakami, who has supported the music scene in Japan for decades by performing with a countless number of other notable musicians, is celebrating the 45th anniversary of his career.
He will hold a concert in April to commemorate the occasion with his close associates, including guitarists Kazumi Watanabe and Masayoshi Takanaka, as well as singer-songwriter Toshiki Kadomatsu, to look back on his illustrious career in jazz, fusion music and more.
Murakami made his recording debut in 1973 as a member of folk music group Akai Tori (Red birds), which he had joined a year earlier. He then joined various groups while also performing with other musicians, from jazz legends to composer-pianist Ryuichi Sakamoto, pop singer Kenji Sawada and pop idol duo Pink Lady. In 1993, the drummer formed Ponta Box, the first band with himself as the leader.
Murakami has been always praised for precise drumming that is suited to every piece he plays. Before performing for a singer, he starts by carefully reading the lyrics.
"I choose the tones and decide which cymbals to use depending on the impression I get from the words," he said. "I believe that's where I should start."
The April 6 concert will be held at Nakano Sunplaza in Nakano Ward, Tokyo. Tickets are already sold out, but a limited number of additional tickets will go on sale on March 10.
"I am grateful to the staff and the guest performers, but holding such an over-the-top event even though it is only for one night is a bit ..." he stopped, smiling embarrassedly. "However, I think it will give courage to younger musicians that a humble drummer aged 67 can manage such a feat."
Murakami said he is having a hard time preparing for the concert as he will have many guest performers. "It's a lot of work to choose the songs and arrange them," he said. "I'm thinking of reducing the length of each song because I want the audience to listen to many pieces."
At the concert, he will also pay tribute to three deceased musicians he used to work with: keyboard player Jun Fukamachi, pianist Naoya Matsuoka and guitarist Kenji Omura.
Fukamachi left works behind featuring Murakami as well as top musicians overseas, such as Brecker Brothers.
"I used to fight [with Fukamachi]," the drummer said. "I was always fighting to create music. But I've never seen today's young people fight. I may sound like an old geezer, but I have a suspicion that they are evading conflict with others."
Murakami described Matsuoka as someone who "changed my view on music."
"He would add Japanese touches to music from Cuba and Brazil. He was an all-time melodist," he said.
Omura and Murakami had a long association with each other ever since they were members of Akai Tori. Before that, Murakami belonged to a brass band, playing classical music.
"I knew nothing but classical music," he said. "So Kenji was like a music teacher to me."
In January, Murakami played in two concerts with performers with completely different music styles: pop singer Mie, who had swept the Japanese music scene as a member of Pink Lady, and jazz pianist Yosuke Yamashita.
"I don't drink alcohol now, so I just practice and prepare for the next project in my hotel room after each concert," he said. "I don't consider what I'm doing 'a job,' nor do I think it's tough. When I muse, my mind becomes filled with sounds, and that's so interesting."
Visit www.fujipacific.co.jp/ponta_45thspeciallive/ for more information on the concert.
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