Okabe Family
Okabe Family is the band led by Japanese alto saxophonist Genzo Okabe. Born in Tokyo, Okabe’s musical journey took him from Perugia to The Hague, where he studied both classical and jazz saxophone. His music is contemporary in feel yet deeply rooted in early New Orleans jazz traditions, reflecting a profound study of the genre’s origins. Notably, his playing is marked by a beautiful, distinctive tone.
The quartet also features the outstanding Spanish pianist Miguel Rodriguez — a Young VIP in 2014 — whose playing adds depth and vibrancy to the band’s sound. Founded in 2009, Okabe Family is a traditional acoustic jazz quartet that strives to push the boundaries of sound and texture. The group has released two albums to date, with a third on the way.
“Okabe’s compositions are excellent in terms of open-mindedness to unusual metre and harmony.” — Jazz Japan
Line-up:
Genzo Okabe – alto saxophone
Miguel Rodriguez – piano
Steven Willem Zwanink – double bass
Francesco De Rubeis – drums
