Shoji Hano Quartet (Japan)

Japanese drumming master Shoji Hano was first introduced to drumming at the age of four in the style of Kokura Gion Taiko at a local festival.

He began playing the western drum set at the age of 15. Influenced by jazz legends Max Roach, Art Blakey and “Philly” Joe Jones, Hano commenced public performances in 1974. In 1975, encounters with such mavericks as Kaoru Abe (alto sax) and Toshinori Kondo (trumpet) as well as being introduced to the martial art Shintaido had led Hano to develop his own style of improvised drumming based on the philosophical concepts of Shintaido.

Continuity in Hano’s career is more convincing than impressive with such experiences in Japan, Europe and USA as numerous collaborative performances with Peter Brotzmann, Eugene Chadbourne, Tristan Honsinger, Mototeru Takagi, William Parker and many more.

His past festival appearances include Vilnius Jazz Festival (Lithuania), Moers Jazz Festival 2007 (Germany), Poschiavo Uncool Festival (Switzerland) and many more.

This is Shoji Hano’s premier visit in Australia.