Final Descent x Absolute Music Presents: Chino / Osgood / Thomsen (JP/DK) // CPHJAZZ

Artist in Residence 2025: Japanese–Danish free improvisation

This year, the Final Descent Artist in Residence program is proud to present three extraordinary musicians from Japan. Intertwining their cultural upbringing with free improvisation, extended techniques, and cross-aesthetic experimentation, they each offer a unique take on recontextualized Japanese music—ranging from hypnotic minimalism and electro-acoustic folk to avant-garde and spiritual jazz.

Experience Berlin-based Japanese pianist Shuichi Chino in a trio setting with local rhythm group Asger Thomsen and Kresten Osgood.

Presented in collaboration with Absolute Music

Shuichi Chino is a Japanese pianist and composer working at the intersection of free improvisation, sound art, and avant-garde music. With roots in the 1970s Japanese rock scene and a background in experimental ensemble playing, he creates organic sonic landscapes where acoustic piano meets interactive technology and noise-based textures. His music draws from both traditional Japanese aesthetics and the European electroacoustic scene, unfolding in a sensuous and ever-evolving universe.

Since 2008, Chino has been based in Berlin, where he continues his work with installations and musical collaborations across genres and media.

Asger Thomsen is a bass player and composer living in Copenhagen, Denmark. He works primarily in the field of contemporary improvised music. With a physical, detail-oriented approach and a rich palette of sounds often strengthened by the use of unconventional extended techniques, he aims for contrast and dynamic forward motion in his music. Thomsen has established himself as a versatile improviser on the Copenhagen scene, and tours internationally. He is often working in ad hoc settings with other improvisers and with projects such as Rhizom, Engel/Thomsen, and a solo project. He is also organising the DIY concert series Absolute Music in Copenhagen.

Kresten Osgood is one of these people who at the same time defy and totally own categories. An extraordinary drummer and improviser who with the fullest respect to tradition, challenges it at any given moment of his creative endeavors. He has about a 100 albums to his credit, toured practically everywhere, has been performing and/or recording with legends like Roscoe Mitchell, Paul Bley, Lee Scratch Perry, William Parker, Masabumi Kikuchi, Derek Bailey, Wadada Leo Smith, Jason Moran, Michael Blake, Oliver Lake, Kurt Rosenwinkel, John Tchicai, Tim Berne, Justin Vernon, Peter Brötzman, Joshua Redman, Eugene Chadbourne, Billy Preston, Alan Silva, Brad Mehldau, Mats Gustafsson, Bennie Maupin, The National, Dr. Lonnie Smith, Sam Rivers, Henry Grimes, Dr. Yusef Lateef, Warren Smith, and many many others.

Shuichi Chino is part of Final Descent’s Artist in Residency 2025, where three Japanese musicians will visit Copenhagen Jazz Festival with solo performances and exciting new collaborations. The residency program is supported by Toyota Foundation and The Danish Arts Council.