Japanese jazz clarinetist and tenor saxophonist. Born December 6, 1927, in Matsumoto (Naganoma); died July 6, 2000. Rarely, if ever, the name Akira Miyazawa appears in jazz reference books. The internet doesn’t offer much information about Akira Miyazawa, except for a few sites that sell his CDs. It is unfortunate, as his recordings tell the story about an accomplished musician whose music has remained fascinating and current almost forty years later. Akira Miyazawa/ Four Units is a remarkable and talented musician whose music deserves more recognition. Miyazawa’s tenor sounds similar to Sonny Rollins, but his tone is a little more pronounced. Although he plays a small flute, it isn’t very memorable. Pianist Masahiko Satoh demonstrates strong classical sensibilities. Masahiko Togashi, the drummer, sounds a lot like Elvin Jones. Yasuo Arawakawa, the bassist has a unique relationship with him. They are both accomplished soloists and have an uncanny rapport when they play behind Satoh and Miyazawa. Last.fm
