"TAKE THE NEXT STEP" (part 2 of 3)

FUSION AND EXPERIMENTATION
Glenn's music gradually veered from the orthodox jazz performance style of adherence to a music score comprising themes and ad-libs. He inclined more and more toward so-called "Free Jazz," which has no specific key. With the strong support of Francis Wong, he began to pioneer a completely new jazz style. I believe that Francis Wong's firm friendship and deep understanding encouraged Glenn to launch that adventure. Coincidental with his exploration of this new jazz field was his introduction of shamisen into jazz.

SAD NEWS
During the summer of 1996 I visited San Francisco, where I met with Ken Yamada, Francis Wong and their friend, Bruce Akizuki, a photographer. However, due to my tight schedule, I was unable to meet with Glenn Horiuchi.

During the following three years, I did not contact any of them because of my own ill health and other private business. In 1999 I sent them e-mails, to which Francis Wong replied as follows:
"Dear Minoru, Thanks for your e-mail. I remember you well. All of us in San Francisco are well. I have, however, bad news: Glenn in Los Angeles is suffering from cancer."

I couldn't believe it. Glenn had been born in 1955, only one year earlier than me. It couldn't be true; Glenn was too young to die. He was so full of vitality and power that he played the piano endlessly, improvising his own music.

A TRIBUTE
In January 2000, to encourage Glenn, a concert was held at the Japan America Theater in Little Tokyo in Los Angeles. Upon hearing of the concert plan, I reserved an air ticket to Los Angeles.
Before the concert, I met Glenn in person for the first time in a dressing room. Glenn smiled at me, calling my name, and we hugged. Francis Wong was with us. Jon Jang, whom I had not met before, also appeared with a gift for me.

The concert was a great success. The hall was full of audience who loved Glenn deeply. In addition to his career as a musician, Glenn was active in social movements, particularly a campaign to seek governmental compensation for Japanese Americans who had been confined in concentration camps during World War II.

Next Step 3 Living Music