https://mirror2.jazzofjapan.com/tags/drew-gress/ Recent content in Drew Gress on Jazz of Japan | Brian McCrory Hugo en Sun, 15 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000 https://mirror2.jazzofjapan.com/fumio-karashima-great-time/ Sun, 15 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000 https://mirror2.jazzofjapan.com/fumio-karashima-great-time/ <p>Jazz pianist Fumio Karashima’s 2006 album <em>Great Time</em> scratches the itch for a straight ahead jazz recording, bringing with it the satisfaction of the promised enjoyment conveyed by the title. Joining Karashima are Drew Gress on bass and Jack DeJohnette on drums, making up a trio of well-known and highly respected musicians in the jazz world. In particular, DeJohnette, who passed away in October 2025, was a worldwide legend whose influence has been immense. Fumio Karashima was also highly visible in the Japanese jazz world, and internationally to a lesser degree (admittedly, few musicians worldwide achieved DeJohnette’s level of fame). Yet, as an undeniable force and a recognized name in the jazz community, Karashima lived a life full of jazz, performing, touring, and recording for spans of years at at time with other jazz giants including American drummers <a href="http://www.pit-inn.com/karashima/en/disc/1990/">Elvin Jones</a>, <a href="https://www.suruga-ya.com/en/product/229003679">Tony Williams</a>, not to mention an abundance of amazing Japanese musicians.</p>