Breakthrough Jazz Composition 'Escher’s Staircase' Wins Lennon Award

Junichiro Mataga Wins Lennon Award for “Escher’s Staircase"

Jazz pianist, composer, and arranger Junichiro Mataga has won the Lennon Award in the Jazz category of the 2024 John Lennon Songwriting Contest with his original composition, “Escher’s Staircase." The piece, which had already garnered significant attention for its innovative approach and technical brilliance, now stands as the top winner in its genre.

This prestigious contest, open to songwriters worldwide, is internationally recognized for its rigorous judging process. Junichiro Mataga first triumphed as the Grand Prize winner of Session 1, and was later selected for the final Lennon Award through a public online vote against the Session 2 winner.

“Escher’s Staircase" was recorded in New York City and appears on Junichiro Mataga's second leader album, Landscape, which was released in both the United States and Japan in April 2024. The album has been available on major streaming platforms, including Apple Music, Spotify, and YouTube Music, since August 2024.

International Recognition Solidifies Mataga's Career as a Leading Jazz Artist

With this award, Junichiro Mataga further solidifies his place as an internationally recognized figure in contemporary jazz. His success in the John Lennon Songwriting Contest highlights not only his unique compositional voice but also the growing prominence of Japanese jazz artists on the global stage.

Based in New York City, Junichiro Mataga has been active in the international jazz scene, performing and composing for various ensembles. He is a graduate of the Aaron Copland School of Music at Queens College, where he studied with renowned jazz musicians including David Berkman and Jeb Patton. His first album, Sketches (2021), won a “Silver Medal Winner" in the composition/composer division at the Global Music Awards and was also selected as one of their “Top Albums of the Year 2021.”

The album received high praise from legendary bassist Ron Carter, who commented, “The arrangements were neat and tidy and precise. The trio really knew the music and played it well, and the concept of each song was clear, especially ‘I mean you’... my favorite. Thanks for these musical thoughts.”

This latest recognition places Junichiro Mataga among the twelve Lennon Award winners who will compete for the Song of the Year title, to be announced in July 2025. As international recognition of Japanese jazz artists continues to grow, this achievement marks another key milestone in Junichiro Mataga's already distinguished career.

For more information and to listen to “Escher's Staircase," visit the The John Lennon Songwriting Contest 2024 Lennon Award website.