Riko Ichikawa Performing at the 10th Chigusa Award Grand Prix Judging Session in 2023
The Chigusa Jazz Cafe & Yoshiya Memorial Hall will release Riko Ichikawa’s commemorative album “Rico, I’m here” nationwide on October 15. Ichikawa is the grand prize winner of the 10th Chigusa Award in 2023.
The Chigusa Award is a competition established in 2013 to discover young jazz musicians. Ichikawa was a second-year high school student at the time and made her debut as a vocalist from Kamakura City, winning the grand prize with her impressive singing.
The album “Rico, I’m here” contains 9 tracks featuring new jazz arrangements of jazz standards as well as pop, R&B, and rock classics. The title reflects Ichikawa’s wish that “I want people to hear the voice that only I can sing right now.” Production was temporarily suspended due to her music university entrance exams, but has now been completed after approximately a year and a half.
The recording features piano, bass, and drums, with guest trumpet. Track listings include “Caravan,” “Just the Two of Us,” “What a Wonderful World,” and “Feeling Good.” The album centers on Ichikawa’s vocals, with the fusion of melody and arrangement being a key highlight.
The album will be available for advance sale from October 1 at Music Chronicle YOKOHAMA. From the 15th, it will be sold at CD retailers nationwide and online stores. Online music distribution will also begin simultaneously. The limited edition vinyl record (3,800 yen) includes serial numbers with an initial run of 200 copies, sold alongside the CD (2,500 yen).
A commemorative live performance will be held on October 8 to coincide with the album release. The venue is BarBarBar, a long-established jazz club in Yokohama. The performance will feature the same lineup as the album, allowing audiences to experience Ichikawa’s live singing up close.
The “Koganecho Bread and Coffee Marche” will be held on October 11 and 12 in the area beneath the Keikyu elevated tracks.
This event has become a regular feature as part of the regional market “Hatsukohi Market,” marking its 12th edition. Approximately 60 bread shops and cafes from within and outside the prefecture will set up stalls in the plaza and studios beneath the elevated tracks stretching between Koganecho Station and Hinodecho Station. Visitors can enjoy various types of bread including cinnamon rolls, salt bread, croissants, rice flour bread, and sweets, along with coffee.
There will also be booths from the “Yokosuka Bread Festival” held in Yokosuka City, as well as shops from along the Keikyu line including Zushi and Hayama. Coffee will be available from multiple specialty coffee vendors. Various bottled foods, craft beer, spice curry, chocolate and other items that pair well with bread will also be sold, showcasing diverse regional flavors.
The venue is divided into multiple areas including the Site-D Assembly Hall beneath the elevated tracks, the Staircase Plaza, Hinodecho Festival Plaza, the area along the river in front of Sakura Pier, Kogane Studio, and Koganecho Community Square. Visitors can explore the different venues using a map.
Operating hours are from 11:00 to 16:00. Admission is free.
On both days, an “Art Fair” will also be held featuring works by artists and creators. The venue will offer art goods for sale along with workshops.
