Tiger Okoshi's concert performance was a joyous occasion, reflecting the clear sense of fun he experiences while performing. He was backed by Daniela Schacheter, piano, Justin Purtill, bass, and Samuel Duhsler, drums, all students at the Berkelee School, where Okoshi teaches.

The first piece was based on a Nepalese melody, the second on a Japanese children’s song (that Okoshi sang at the conclusion), and the third on an American song melody which he has not yet identified or learned its source. In each case, the harmonies and movement was contemporary, with Okoshi playing with power and speed. Although the theater was relatively small, he used the amplification to great effect, exaggerating the power and volume of his playing where he wished.

The Fisherman’s Song was written by Okoshi in response to a vision he had of Japanese fisherman bringing their boats in through the fog with seagulls flying low overhead. The melody was very simple and lyrical, while the pace was relaxed, giving each performer ample opportunity to stretch and develop their solos.

During a break between pieces, Okoshi engaged the audience in a little call and response—he’d play a phrase and the audience would sing it back; this musical conversation between Okoshi and the audience got progressively more difficult until chaos resulted. One of the last licks mimicked the sound of human laughter, a technique he used effectively in his improvisations during the performance. St. Louis Blues provided contrasting material proving that Okoshi is the master of traditional idioms as well as more contemporary material. Whatever genre, Okoshi communicates a sense of enjoyment in playing the trumpet and in entertaining the audience.

The closing piece began with Okoshi unplugging the bass amplifier and pulling the drummer off his set and moving the band to the stairs leading to the stage. He gave the pianist a small electric keyboard that she could hold in her hands and Okoshi traded his B-flat for a small pocket trumpet with a piccolo trumpet straight mute inserted. Very softly, the band gathered in a small circle at the front of the stage, the concert concluded with the standard St. James Infirmary. The drummer played his sticks and brushes on the surface of the stage, the stairs and the rail surrounding the seating area while the acoustic bass commented on the drummers rhythms with solos of his own. The audience response was wildly enthusiastic. Okoshi returned to play a much appreciated encore. All in attendance connected with this wonderfully vibrant performer.