YONAGO, Tottori -- World-famous saxophonist Malta, 70, has moved to Yonago, Tottori Prefecture, and is now based in the city.
Soon after he arrived, however, the new coronavirus pandemic began. As a result, he has stopped holding live shows and other performances.
Instead he has been posting videos of his performances online and considering new ideas, such as teaching children and projects tied to local products.
Born in Kurayoshi in the prefecture, Malta moved from Tokyo to Yonago last year, where he opened a branch office of his company, Maltajapan Enterprises Inc. He joins his younger brother, who also lives in the city.
Since performing live with a piano at Yonago Kitaro Airport on Feb. 14, Malta has had to cancel all his planned performances due to the pandemic. He is currently posting videos of performances recorded at music clubs and other venues in the city, some free of charge and some for a fee.
On May 9, Malta performed "Sweet Magic" and three other original songs at a city cultural hall, the first initiative under a city project to support artists during the pandemic. The performance will be available for free on YouTube and other video streaming sites.
When asked why he moved to the city in a press conference before the performance, Malta said, "I was charmed by the lifestyles of the people of Yonago, a business town at the foot of Mt. Daisen."
He said in the future he wants to work mainly in Tottori and Shimane prefectures with a base in Yonago.
Regarding what he plans to do after the pandemic ends, Malta said: "I'd love to make music with children, for example by conducting elementary and junior high school students. I want to collaborate on music and local products, such as with the Daisen brand."
Malta moved to the United States after graduating from the Tokyo University of the Arts. In 1979, he joined the prestigious Lionel Hampton Orchestra, where he served as concert master and in other roles. His 1987 album "SPARKLING" won best album of the year for solo jazz fusion at the first Japan Gold Disc Awards.
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