Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on November 2011

Switzerland’s hallowed festival sets up its bigtop for five days of concerts in “music town” Kawasaki. Topping the bill are the Jaco Pastorius Big Band—named after the legendary bass monster—and the Alfredo Rodriguez Trio featuring the skilled Cuban pianist (pictured). A number of Japanese jazzers line up, like fusion outfit T-Square; while in keeping with Montreux’s broad remit, sounds take in the R&B of Angela Hunte, original composer of the Jay-Z/Alicia Keys hit “Empire State of Mind.” A bonus appearance sees South African rock group The Parlotones mark their Japan debut.

Various venues, Nov 22-27 (listing).