jazz In Murakami's novels(Bill Evans, Chet Baker, Miles Davis

jazz music frequently appears in Haruki Murakami's novels. He is known as an author with a deep affection for jazz. In his younger days, he even ran a jazz bar, and this influence seems to have naturally permeated his works.

Notably, in novels such as Norwegian Wood, Dance Dance Dance, and Sputnik Sweetheart, there are many references to jazz music. For example, in Norwegian Wood, the protagonists often listen to jazz or discuss jazz music. Additionally, one of his short stories, The Jazz Bar, can be seen as an homage to jazz, clearly showcasing his love for the genre.

Jazz mirrors the rhythms of life and the expression of emotions that Murakami explores, and through jazz music in his writing, he emphasizes the characters' feelings and situations.

 

1. Norwegian Wood

• Plot: The protagonist, Toru Watanabe, navigates his feelings for Naoko, the girlfriend of a friend who committed suicide, and his growing affection for the lively Midori. The story explores themes of growth and loss during his college years.
• Scenes Featuring Jazz: Watanabe often listens to jazz to soothe his lonely heart. The music reflects his inner emotions and adds depth to the narrative.
• Featured Jazz Musician: Bill Evans
  • Musician Introduction: Bill Evans was an American jazz pianist known for his emotional melodies and lyrical playing style. He is celebrated as a key figure in "cool jazz," often performing in a piano trio format with a focus on improvisation.
  • Representative Songs: Waltz for Debby, My Foolish Heart
    • Waltz for Debby is a simple yet elegant melody that showcases his delicate playing style.
    • https://youtu.be/dH3GSrCmzC8?si=vU33ze_IJhh-KXls

https://youtu.be/a2LFVWBmoiw?si=Vp18zQUEjYT4bAE1

 

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2. Dance Dance Dance

• Plot: The protagonist stumbles upon a mysterious hotel while searching for a missing girl related to a complex series of events, leading him to deep reflections on solitude and life.
• Scenes Featuring Jazz: As he unravels the mystery, jazz music plays in the background, providing solace amidst his loneliness.
• Featured Jazz Musician: Chet Baker
  • Musician Introduction: Chet Baker was an American trumpeter and vocalist, renowned for his emotional ballads. His life was often likened to a novel, and his music is characterized by a deep sense of solitude.
  • Representative Songs: My Funny Valentine, I Fall in Love Too Easily
    • My Funny Valentine is a hauntingly beautiful piece that highlights his unique blend of voice and trumpet, embodying the essence of melancholy.
    • https://youtu.be/UOEIQKczRPY?si=iSV6auyPj_ZHqVIU

https://youtu.be/3zrSoHgAAWo?si=9KnjCF2HTdtpJh99

 

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3. Sputnik Sweetheart

• Plot: This novel revolves around a complicated love triangle between the protagonist, his friend, and another person his friend loves, delving into their emotional struggles and relationships.
• Scenes Featuring Jazz: Jazz plays frequently in the background during moments of solitude or emotional turmoil, amplifying the characters' feelings.
• Featured Jazz Musician: Miles Davis
  • Musician Introduction: Miles Davis was a legendary jazz trumpeter and bandleader who played a pioneering role in the development of various jazz styles, including "cool jazz," "modal jazz," and "fusion jazz."
  • Representative Songs: So What, Blue in Green (from Kind of Blue album)
    • So What is characterized by a laid-back yet dreamlike quality, exemplifying his modal jazz style.
    • https://youtu.be/zqNTltOGh5c?si=svz6kppLffwXThgW

 

https://youtu.be/TLDflhhdPCg?si=6Afjf72t38TY5cOT

 

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In Murakami's novels, jazz serves as a significant element that enriches the emotional landscape of the characters, with specific jazz musicians chosen to resonate with the themes of the stories.