Toshinori Kondo

Toshinori Kondo (近藤 等則, Kondō Toshinori) was an influential Japanese trumpeter born on December 15, 1948, who passed away on October 17, 2020. Renowned for his avant-garde jazz and jazz fusion contributions, Kondo's work was characterized by a bold intuition and profound expressiveness that traversed various experimental and ambient music landscapes.

Kondo emerged as a pivotal figure in Japan's music scene, gaining prominence while residing in Amsterdam and New York City. He became a highly sought-after collaborator in the free jazz movement, engaging with iconic musicians such as the fiery German saxophonist Peter Brötzmann, as well as other avant-garde artists like the British guitarist Derek Bailey and the Dutch drummer Han Bennink.

In addition to his free jazz endeavors, Kondo excelled in electroacoustic environments, emphasizing rhythmic grooves. He led his own ensembles, such as Toshinori Kondo IMA, and collaborated with renowned bassist-producer Bill Laswell on various projects. A notable highlight of his career was his partnership with DJ Krush, which culminated in the acclaimed mid-1990s trip-hop album "Ki-Oku." Kondo's innovative spirit and diverse contributions significantly shaped the landscape of contemporary jazz, leaving a lasting legacy in the world of music.