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Since arriving here back in 1997, drummer Nori Tanaka has made an ever-increasing impact on the local jazz scene. A native of Fukuoka, Japan, he moved here to study English at Roosevelt College and planned to relocate to a city on the east coast, but after meeting and playing with important mainstream figures like Bobby Broom, Robert Shy, Ron Dewar, and Dennis Carroll he decided to stay. In the last few years he’s really come into his own, and his playing has grown more flexible and daring. He’s a key member of ensembles like A Cushicle, Lay All Over It, and most recently AAT. But on Tuesday, July 17, he’s playing his last gig here, at Rodan, before returning to Japan, even though he wants to stay. It will be a major loss to the Chicago jazz community.
I just saw Tanaka play a superb duet with saxophonist Greg Ward on Wednesday at the Hideout, and it only reinforced what a loss this is for the city. Aside from the above-mentioned groups, he’s also worked with the Howling Hex, the Cairo Gang, and groups led by Josh Berman, Keefe Jackson, and Ingebrigt Haaker Flaten. He’s leaving the day after his gig at Rodan, where he’ll perform with A Cushicle, a trio with bassist Jason Ajemian and guitarist Jeff Parker, and video artist Selina Trepp, who’s held a steady residency at the bar for years now. As usual, I’m sure he’ll play his ass off.
