no earplugs

Otomo Yoshihide Special Big Band is a project that could well be called the culmination of Otomo’s work as of now.

Led by pioneering guitarist, turntablist, and composer Otomo Yoshihide, Special Big Band is one of Japan’s most exhilarating large ensembles. Bringing together eighteen outstanding improvisers from Japan’s vibrant experimental and jazz scenes, the group seamlessly moves between explosive free jazz, noise, rock, contemporary composition, and moments of surprising melodic beauty.

OSBB’s first ever European tour in October 2024 was a tremendous success, with 12 concerts across Europe—most of them completely sold out. The tour was met with enthusiastic responses from audiences and critics alike.

This was a blast, in every sense of the word. The 16-piece Special Big Band of Japanese underground jazz icon, Otomo Yoshihide, squeezed on to the stage area at a packed Cafe Oto to deliver an unremittingly visceral performance of joyously sustained invention and of outstanding musicianship.
— Geoff Winston, UK Jazz News

In any case, the highlight was the performance of the many-member Otomo Yoshihide Special Big Band. The legendary guitarist’s orchestra and its hardcore avant-noise-jazz-rock concoction swept the audience away in the sold-out theatre with a lot of verve and occasionally wonderfully groovy, catchy passages and hot brass sections. — Christoph Giese, Jazzwise (Vilnius Jazzfestival)

The hyperactive, prog-powered Japanese big band took over Dalston’s hip music spot with their hard hitting and humorous irreverent sounds  — Gail Tasker, Jazzwise