June 2nd, 2000

Yesterday, I attended the evening of "Hidehiko Matsumoto Forever."
He was a great saxophone player, who reigned over the world of jazz and went by the nickname of "Sleepy Matsumoto."
I had heard his very moving style many times in NHK's "That's Music", and what has made a lasting impression on my mind is his rendition of "Danny Boy." Requested by the program producer to play without changing the melody too much, Mr. Matsumoto's "Danny Boy" that day was so moving I had tears in my eyes.
An expert, who could play in any way, played each melody carefully and lovingly.
It was a melody played from a depth, width and warmth that transcended the tone of the saxophone. It was truly moving.
I think the people in the studio all felt the same way. Mr. Norio Maeda had arranged the music and was conducting the orchestra, but he was so absorbed in Mr. Matsumoto's performance that his hand momentarily stopped moving.
I believe it is like that for everything.
After one has fully studied the basics, it is O.K. to change them no matter how much.
When one returns to the basics again, weight and depth are added and it becomes truly wonderful.
Speaking in a casual manner after fully mastering the honorific form of speech.
Wearing jeans after looking good in an evening dress.
Everything is like that, isn't it?