Battle of Study. It’s a curious name, but a fun, energetic jazz event hosted every 3rd Tuesday of the month at 7:30pm by Kamome, one of Yokohama’s premier jazz venues. It’s a ‘battle’ because musicians compete for a cash prize and a ‘study’ because the younger artists are seeking to learn from some of the veterans on stage.
The series is the brainchild of Motoharu, a Yokohama native, Berklee College of Music graduate, and the sax player for the internationally acclaimed jazz group Soil & Pimp Sessions. He’s joined on stage by bandmates Akita Goldman (bass) and Midorin (drums), as well as veterans from other acts. Each month, groups of musicians perform numbers centered around a predetermined theme. The theme for the October 20th edition will be the music of artist D’Angelo. For November and December, it will be gospel. Previous themes have been The Beatles and Bob Marley–yes, jazz renditions!
Admission is ¥2000 plus one drink order. Guests must also chip in a ¥500 “bet”. At the end of the night, the audience votes for an MVP, who receives the sum of the bets. Musicians pony up ¥1500 to enter. It’s competitive, but also a lot of fun and the talent on display will impress you. The festivities include a talk session (in Japanese) between veteran musicians and a jazz teacher. If you’re not interested in the talk, you can always focus on your meal. Kamome serves rather good food that ranges from French inspired (hamburger with demi-glace, ¥1300; sauteed pork, ¥1300) to standard pub fare (sausage plate, ¥900; spicy seafood curry, ¥1000). The list of alcohol (and soft drinks) is extensive and quite affordably priced (¥700~).
Kamome’s seating includes tables, bar stools and–our favorite–sofas. It’s a swank place and the acoustics are excellent. If you’re timid, you can peek in from the darkened outside window. But we assure you, it’s worth a visit.