For drummer Kentaro Nakayama, the road to New York's jazz scene consisted of millions of miles and a number of different calendars. Now recording music for various film, TV, and advertising projects, Nakayama cannot forget the different paths that he took which led him to where he is today. Nor can he lose sight of his ultimate goal. “I want to keep playing music until I die," Nakayama revealed.
Born in Tokyo, Japan, Nakayama moved to Boston, MA in 2006 after receiving a scholarship from the Berklee College of Music. It was there that Nakayama dug deep into his studies of jazz and contemporary music. He also began collaborating with other artists, an experience that helps him sharpen his skills. “It made me become a better musician," Nakayama explained. “I can't forget the satisfaction from the feeling of unity I received when I played with other musicians."
Nakayama entered the musical field at the age of 19 although he had already taught himself how to play drums—rock & roll style—about four years before that. In 2007, Nakayama joined the Chilean rock band 1945 and toured the Northeast with them. However, Nakayama's latest album, Broadway, definitely focuses on the jazz side of his creative passions. A collection of hypnotic, gripping instrumentals, Broadway summarizes Nakayama's affection for jazz's ability to communicate thoughts and feelings without words.
The record also displays the maturity in Nakayama's view of music. “I don't consider music to be a piece of entertainment anymore," he said. “It's a way I can create a real connection between human beings and express myself."
To Nakayama, making Broadway itself was a thrill. “That was a great experience," Nakayama said. “I would like to get the other chance soon because I have much work to do. I would like to keep creating something new and sharing the moment with many people. “
Born in Tokyo, Japan, Nakayama moved to Boston, MA in 2006 after receiving a scholarship from the Berklee College of Music. It was there that Nakayama dug deep into his studies of jazz and contemporary music. He also began collaborating with other artists, an experience that helps him sharpen his skills. “It made me become a better musician," Nakayama explained. “I can't forget the satisfaction from the feeling of unity I received when I played with other musicians."
Nakayama entered the musical field at the age of 19 although he had already taught himself how to play drums—rock & roll style—about four years before that. In 2007, Nakayama joined the Chilean rock band 1945 and toured the Northeast with them. However, Nakayama's latest album, Broadway, definitely focuses on the jazz side of his creative passions. A collection of hypnotic, gripping instrumentals, Broadway summarizes Nakayama's affection for jazz's ability to communicate thoughts and feelings without words.
The record also displays the maturity in Nakayama's view of music. “I don't consider music to be a piece of entertainment anymore," he said. “It's a way I can create a real connection between human beings and express myself."
To Nakayama, making Broadway itself was a thrill. “That was a great experience," Nakayama said. “I would like to get the other chance soon because I have much work to do. I would like to keep creating something new and sharing the moment with many people. “
