Ponta Box - Live at the Montreux Jazz Festival (1995)

Ponta Box – Live at the Montreux Jazz Festival captures a dynamic fusion trio performance recorded at one of the world’s most prestigious jazz festivals. Released in 1995 on JVC, the album features drummer Shuichi “Ponta” Murakami leading a high-energy set alongside pianist Masahiro Sayama and electric bassist Masatoshi Mizuno. The performance showcases a blend of modern jazz interpretation and fusion-driven intensity, with a strong emphasis on rhythmic interaction and extended improvisational development.

The repertoire draws heavily from jazz standards and modern jazz compositions, including works by Wayne Shorter such as “Nefertiti,” “Pinocchio,” and “Footprints,” alongside Miles Davis-associated material like “Seven Steps to Heaven” and “Nardis.” The trio also incorporates original compositions and medley-style arrangements that combine multiple themes within a single performance, such as “If I Were a Bell / Freedom Jazz Dance” and “Love Goes Marching On / Straight, No Chaser.” These transitions highlight the group’s ability to navigate complex structures while maintaining a cohesive groove.

Throughout the recording, Murakami’s drumming provides both propulsion and subtle texture, while Sayama and Mizuno contribute fluid harmonic and rhythmic interplay. Live at Montreux stands as a vibrant example of 1990s Japanese jazz fusion performed at an international level.

Tracklist:
1. Nefertiti (Shorter) - 2:29
2. Pinocchio (Shorter) - 2:41
3. Ginger Bread Boy (Heath) - 2:50
4. Seven Steps to Heaven (Feldman-Davis) - 3:02
5. Footprints (Shorter) - 4:39
6. If I Were a Bell (Loesser) / Freedom Jazz Dance (Harris) - 4:41
7. Pin Tuck (Mizuno) - 3:57
8. Dawn (Murakami) - 3:23
9. Fifteen (Mizuno) - 3:20
10. Concrete (Sayama) - 7:50
11. Love Goes Marching On (Rumba) (Sayama) / Straight, No Chaser (Monk) - 6:14
12. Storm of Applause - 1:11
13. Nardis (Davis) - 7:24

Personnel:
Shuichi “Ponta” Murakami - drums
Masahiro Sayama - piano
Masatoshi Mizuno - electric bass