In "Live Life This Day: Celebrating Thad Jones," Miho Hazama, the acclaimed Japanese/New York-based composer, arranger, and conductor, pays tribute to the legendary Thad Jones on his centennial. This captivating album, released on March 7, 2025, under Edition Records, seamlessly blends Hazama's innovative perspective with Jones' timeless big band classics. Collaborating with the Danish Radio Big Band and the Danish National Symphony Orchestra, Hazama crafts a dynamic and fresh soundscape that honors Jones' legacy while infusing it with her unique contemporary flair.
The album opens with "My Centennial," setting the tone for a journey through both familiar and reimagined compositions. Tracks like "Mornin' Reverend" and "A Child Is Born" showcase Hazama's masterful arrangements, while the three-movement suite "Live Life This Day" demonstrates her prowess in creating expansive, narrative-driven musical experiences. The album concludes with "The Farewell," a poignant and reflective piece that encapsulates the spirit of celebration and remembrance.
Recognized by DownBeat magazine as one of the "25 for the Future," Hazama brings her forward-thinking approach to jazz, making this album a standout in her discography. "Live Life This Day: Celebrating Thad Jones" is not just a tribute; it's a vibrant dialogue between past and present, tradition and innovation, performed by one of today's most exciting musical voices.
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