Press – English translation
Interview with Reiji Maruyama at Leverkusener Jazztage 2008
(original text in Leverkusener-Anzeiger november 06 2008)
Leverkusen stands for great music as well!
For about 10 years Reiji Maruyama has reported from Leverkusener Jazztage to his home country Japan, we talked to the 50 year old freelance journalist.
LEVERKUSENER ANZEIGER(LA): Mr. Maruyama, what does a Japanese journalist do at the Jazztage in Leverkusen?
REIJI MARUYAMA: Well, report on the festival.
LA: Alright, to put it another way, how intensely are the Jazztage in your home country observed?
MARUYAMA: Very much so, generally Japanese people have a huge interest in the music of foreign countries – and of course that includes jazz. There are many jazz musicians in Japan and two major magazines covering this musical genre, “Swing Journal” and “JazzLife”. Also, because of the international character of the festival and the many stars performing here many Japanese recognise the name Leverkusen. They do not only associate the name of the city with soccer and the quite useful pain relief tablets but also with great music.
LA: For how long have you followed the Jazztage?
MARUYAMA: Since 1998 and I’m excited every time because I just love jazz and all related variations of music.
LA: What are the differences between a European and Japanese audience?
MARUYAMA: As far as jazz is concerned, my fellow countrymen clearly are a little more reserved at concerts but that doesn’t mean they are less thrilled. In fact it is their way of showing deep respect to the artists and are positively assimilating the music while listening.
LA: You’ve seen many stars over the years – is there an artist you are looking forward to in particular this week?
MARUYAMA: John McLaughlin of course, I saw him play the very first time I came here as a journalist – and it was awesome. He arrived shortly before the gig was scheduled to start and the first thing he did was to arrange a soundcheck and a rehearsal because he had a new keyboard player in the band. Meanwhile the fans had to wait in front of the hall. McLaughlin was incredibly nervous but then, he and his band – especially the new member – gave a tremendous performance. It was a very intense experience and a memorable moment – presented to me by Leverkusen.
(Interview by Frank Weiffen)
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Leverkusener Jazztage is one of the well known jazz festival in Germany. It takes place annually in November in the city of Leverkusen which is located riverside of the Rhein, half way between Cologne and Duesseldorf.
view Reiji Maruyama’s Leverkusener Jazztage articles