Nariaki Obukuro | Live Report | 20260207

ZATTO, released in 2025, is a work forged over five years following Nariaki Obukuro’s move to London in 2019, created in collaboration with local musicians. Within the album, the melancholy and introspection carried by Japanese lyrics are naturally nestled into jazz, reggae, dub, and Latin rhythms, shaping a musical texture that is both fluid and grounded. This performance at Billboard Live TAIPEI unfolded against this very backdrop. The stage did not seek flamboyant grandiosity; instead, it built emotion through delicate layers, allowing the audience in the intimate space to feel the sound find its footing, step by step.

As the band took the stage, Obukuro appeared composed and steady, as if fully prepared to embrace every nuance of the live setting. A surge of drums kicked off the set, with the title track "ZATTO" immediately establishing the evening's tone. Obukuro’s thick, resonant vocals commanded the room from the first note; subsequently, the intertwining lines of guitar and bass allowed the music to flow naturally across the stage.

During the bridge of "ZATTO," he introduced the band members: Naoki Kobayashi (Bass), Kazuki Isogai (Guitar), Mayuko Katakura (Piano), and Mahito Mori (Drums)—a tight-knit ensemble with mature chemistry. Although the horn section featured in his January performance at Blue Note Tokyo was absent, the melodic lines constructed by Katakura and Isogai provided a rich foundation, seamlessly filling the sonic space and becoming an indispensable highlight of the show.

This was followed by the Salsa-infused "Kagero," which showcased a light yet restrained movement within a supple rhythm, Obukuro’s vocals exuding an air of effortless cool. "Tangerine" centered on the bass, laying down a thick yet unpretentious groove that had the audience swaying naturally in their seats. Obukuro’s transition between chest voice and falsetto was sultry without being gaudy, maintaining precise emotional control throughout.

The middle of the set brought a surprise cover of "They Say It’s Wonderful." The romantic, slow tempo momentarily pulled the atmosphere away from the previous rhythmic drive. The piano melody was hauntingly beautiful, paired with Obukuro’s soul-stirring vocals, allowing this jazz standard to reveal an intriguing depth without the need for technical bravado.

During the mid-set MC, Obukuro’s tone was relaxed and sincere. He mentioned that this was his first performance in Taiwan and shared an experience of tasting Taiwanese Shaoxing wine with a group of eight. Joking that while the wine was strong, he remained clear-headed—perhaps even gaining a bit of extra energy from it. Addressing the slightly shy audience, he graciously invited everyone to offer more applause and response during the musicians' solo sections, further closing the distance between the stage and the seats.

From an ensemble perspective, the rapport between the musicians was palpable. The understated and refined lighting design of Billboard Live TAIPEI gave each piece ample room to breathe. Mayuko Katakura’s piano, in particular, played a pivotal role across several tracks; in "Sayonara," her nimble touch and brilliant solo exhibited a sense of poise, ensuring the music maintained a consistent forward momentum even as it drifted through various styles.

As the performance entered its latter half, "Hanazakari"—a rare reggae-inflected track from the new album—made its appearance. Drummer Mahito Mori struck a balance between briskness and ease, his elastic beats gradually loosening the atmosphere. Guitarist Kazuki Isogai’s tone grew dense and captivating here, adding another layer of depth to the overall sound.

The roughly hour-long set moved toward its conclusion with unhurried grace. Closing with "Shiranami," the performance once again demonstrated that signature quality of Obukuro’s music: "standing firm amidst the turbulence," presenting a lush state of being that embraces diverse and complex sounds. As the lights slowly rose, the applause remained persistent. Seeing the confidence in Obukuro’s eyes, one couldn't help but recall his words from a previous show: "You only live once, so do what you love." Standing on that stage, he proved clearly that he is walking that very path, leaving the audience eagerly anticipating the moment he returns to Taiwan with his next chapter.