Studio Ghibli's official jazz ensemble All That Jazz to perform in Kuala Lumpur this October

Fans of Studio Ghibli’s iconic soundtracks are in for something special. This October, All That Jazz — the only jazz ensemble officially commissioned to reinterpret composer Joe Hisaishi’s works — will bring their celebrated arrangements to Malaysia for a one-night-only performance.

Presented by Ichigo Live and Cos-Mic, the upcoming show promises an intimate, immersive take on some of animation’s most beloved melodies — this time, through the warm, expressive lens of live jazz.

Set to take place on 24 October at Zepp Kuala Lumpur, Ghibli Jazz Night feat. All That Jazz marks the ensemble’s debut performance in Malaysia.

 

 

 

 

 

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Unlike typical tribute acts, All That Jazz holds a unique place in the Ghibli universe. The group was directly commissioned by Studio Ghibli to rework Joe Hisaishi’s compositions into jazz arrangements, resulting in their albums Ghibli Jazz (2009) and Ghibli Jazz 2 (2010), both of which quickly gained global acclaim.

Now, fans will finally get to experience these reinterpretations live — in a setting designed for acoustic clarity and emotional depth.

Audiences can expect a carefully curated set spanning Studio Ghibli’s most treasured films. From the dreamlike piano lines of ‘One Summer’s Day’ (Spirited Away) to the sweeping waltz of ‘The Merry-Go-Round of Life’ (Howl’s Moving Castle), the performance promises both familiarity and surprise.

Other highlights include:

• ‘The Path of Wind’ and ‘My Neighbor Totoro’ (My Neighbor Totoro)
• ‘A Town with an Ocean View’ (Kiki’s Delivery Service)
• ‘Carrying You’ (Castle in the Sky)
• ‘Country Road’ (Whisper of the Heart)

Each piece is stripped back to its essence, then rebuilt with improvisation, texture, and the spontaneity that defines jazz.

Led by pianist and arranger Tomoo Nogami, the ensemble brings together a group of seasoned musicians known for their sensitivity and craft. Vocalist Yuriko Kuwahara adds an ethereal dimension to the arrangements, while saxophonist Shintaro Kurihara, bassist Sosuke Kawamoto, and drummer Kenji Suefuji round out the group’s rich, dynamic sound.

Tickets will be available for sales at Fantopia, starting Monday, 13 April, 12PM onwards. Ticket prices starting at RM208 per ticket.