May Inoue

May Inoue is one of the most talked about and in demand guitarists in Japan and the Far East. He has a string of solo albums to his name including with his electric band, Stereo Champ, and their latest release, The Elements, plus his acoustic jazz quartet release Our Platform.

May has recorded alongside Kazumi Watanabe, and played live with Kurt Rosenwinkel. He is a graduate of the prestigious Berklee Music College in the US and has earned various accolades in Japan, not least ‘Album of the Year’ for his debut EMI record, First Train.

In 2018, the Japanese arts promoter Yokohama Calling brought May to London for the first time, where he headlined as part of the EFG London Jazz Festival, leading a band featuring Jason Rebello and other top UK jazz/session musicians.

At a sold-out Ronnie Scott’s, May had a queue of new fans congratulating him after the show. Guitar legend Mike Stern watched the show and praised May very highly.

Cut after cut of contemporary electric jazz guitar, tinged with rockier embellishments; technically perfect and effortlessly delivered

(London Jazz News)

Other notable recordings include his first release as a songwriter, the EP ‘POP MUGIC‘ and a recent duet album with pianist Ami Ogaeri.

This concert will be May’s third time in London as a band leader. Be prepared for a dazzling display of guitar playing prowess, musicality and improvisation that will captivate you throughout his performance.

Not to be missed!

This show is part of EFG London Jazz Festival 2023