_{Cover Image: Celebrated pianist Makoto Ozone. Image by Matsuki Kohei.}

Entering the beautifully decorated Perth Town Hall, the venue for this performance, I was captivated by the high ceilings lit with soft colours and iridescent drapery, rows of black tables and chairs arranged in a ‘cabaret’ style seating, with softly glowing lamps at each.  

As someone who has never experienced a live jazz performance before, I did not know what to expect. My understanding of jazz and jazz clubs comes solely from movies with images of dimly lit bars, men in suits playing smooth tunes on the piano, accompanied by beautiful women crooning in slinky red dresses. 

For this performance featuring a world-renowned pianist, I expected a serious concert. What we got instead was sheer joy. Swinging, dancing and playful, three musicians delighting in each other, playing and pushing each other to their limits. The trio are part of TRiNFiNiTY featuring celebrated pianist Makoto Ozone, bassist Shimpei Ogawa and drummer Kunito Kitai.  

Starting off with an emotional piece titled The Path from their recently released album For Someone, the song was deeply moving and almost plaintive, holding everyone spellbound. 

This impressive start was followed by the very playful tones of Mr. Monster composed by the bassist Shimpei Ogawa. The playful vibe of this song brought out further the play between the muscians, the sense of improvisation, pushing each other further and further onwards, all with a spirit of fun.  

The repertoire was vast and different featuring several pieces from their recent album For Someone, many composed by Shimpei Ogawa. From the introspective tone of ‘Friends’ to the energetic vibe of Etudade – a play on Brazilian jazz/bossa nova crossover standards, A Felicidade and Chega de Saudade. Additionally, Untold Stories, Until that Wall Falls, Passia were all played to perfection.  

There was heavy improvisation, fast performances but enough space for each of the artists to shine. And shine they did, so spectacularly that they held the 250 strong audience completely enthralled.  

Their playful banter and commentary with the audience, brought us closer to them as performers and the intimate nature of the venue enhanced this sense of closeness. This insight into their comfortable relationship with each other allowed us a glimpse of their playing style featuring so much improvisation and yet sounding in perfect harmony.  

Born in Kobe, Japan, Makoto Ozone was self-taught in jazz under his father’s guidance, first on the organ, then piano. Immediately following his graduation from Berklee College of Music, his 1983 solo recital debut at Carnegie Hall brought him to public attention. Since then, his international career has included recording and performing with pre-eminent artists around the world.  

The piano solo Where Do we Go From Here, showcased his range as a composer and a pianist. The master performer continued in his stride, even using a slight disturbance from a phone ringing in the audience, to improvise his playing. 

And finally, the hall was still and we all breathed again, having witnessed something beautiful and extraordinary. In a world where performance is constant and almost part of everyday life, this was something different- a polished jewel glowing softly, reminding us of beauty and truth and art, of the sublime that have the power to capture us so completely that for a moment we leave everything behind. And the three performers with their tribute to joy managed to bring us all closer and share that joy as well. 

Performers
Makoto Ozone Piano 
Shimpei Ogawa Bass 
Kunito Kitai Drums

TRiNFiNiTY: Makoto Ozone played at The Embassy, Perth Town Hall, Koorari / Perth CBD as part of Perth Festival 2026.