Ochibonoame | Makoto Kawashima | Interview
Makoto Kawashima is free improvisation musician born in Saitama, a prefecture of the Greater Tokyo Area, in 1981. He’s part of Ochibonoame, a trio formed by musicians who released on PSF Records.
Ochibonoame is Inage Louis (member of Derakushi), Naoto Yamagishi (Bon No Kubo) and Makoto Kawashima. Kawashima is also the founder of the Homosacer label. In 2019 Kawashima released ‘Homo Sacer’, his solo album for Black Editions Group.
“I wanted to scream”
How did you first get interested in saxophone?
Makoto Kawashima: I always wanted to make strange sounds with instrument. I thought it was an instrument that I could play like drawing a picture. I wanted to make a strange sound. I felt like a screaming voice. I wanted to scream.
Most of your recordings are issued via Homosacer Records. What can you tell me about the label? Is it your own imprint to release music without boundaries?
I couldn’t find a label to release my music, so I had to do it myself. There is no particular deep meaning to it.
Does your music reflect the current world situation?
It always reflects. Mainly, everyday things have an effect.
What musician inspired you to play the way you play and improvise?
Initially John Lurie, but then Kaoru Abe and Masayoshi Urabe. However, it is difficult to identify because it is not only musicians who inspires me.
I’ve been really enjoying the Black Edition release of ‘Homo Sacer’.
It’s a particularly memorable album. I used Kaoru Abe’s reed from Kaoru Abe’s mother. I’m glad you enjoyed it. I have nothing more to say. I think you’ll understand if you listen. Hideo Ikezumi, the owner of PSD Records, liked this album very much.
How would you compare your older material to the latest projects?
Comparison? I don’t understand the meaning of making a comparison.
Another highlight would be the Ochibonoame trio. How did that come about?
I invited two people I could trust. I wanted a place to explode the solo.
How do you see the alternative scene or even free jazz scene in current Japan?
I don’t know because I rarely listen to music. I’m not very interested…
Are you a visitor of legendary Jazz Joints?
“It’s not just the sound, it’s how you use your body”
Would you like to comment on your sax technique? Give us some insights on developing your technique.
The only technique for me is how natural I can be. It’s not just the sound, it’s how you use your body. The rest is that silence that creates the outline of the sound.
What is ‘free jazz’ in your opinion? How would you define it?
Once defined, it’s not free. You don’t even need the word “free jazz”.
A new release by my band Ochibonoame is coming soon. I like it the freshest right now.
What currently occupies your life?
A new release by my band Ochibonoame is coming soon. I like it the freshest right now. This was a beautiful recording recorded at a Japanese sake brewery.
Thank you. Last word is yours.
I consider the melody to be the most important. Same as the singer. To convey the heart. That’s all. Thank you.
Klemen Breznikar
Makoto Kawashima Facebook / Twitter / Bandcamp
Homosacer Records Official Website / Facebook / Instagram / Twitter
Black Editions Group Official Website / Facebook / Instagram / Twitter / Bandcamp / YouTube
