Morgan Salon
Morgan Salon
2-2-4 Izumi, Suginami-ku, Tokyo 168-0063
168-0063東京都杉並区和泉2-2-4
Closest station: Daitabashi
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Morgan Salon is a unique venue featuring a variety of music curated by the inimitable Morgan Fisher. It’s a small room, with chairs facing the musicians. Yes, there’s a video overhead, and yes, there are speakers, in fact a great sound system, but you hardly need them. Sitting so close to the music, you drop deeply and fully into the music. Every show at Morgan Salon is a powerful musical experience.
Fisher plays in many bands around Tokyo, and indeed throughout the world. He’s a versatile keyboardist who’s played with everyone from Mott the Hoople to Yoko Ono to Terry Riley, and all points in between. With his musician’s and music lover’s ear, he selects the most appealing musicians for his Salon every month. They range from rock to singer-songwriters to electronica to just about anything that sounds great—the common thread being the outstanding quality of the performers.
There are only two dozen seats which makes it a real, and rare, pleasure to hear music without mediation, interruption, or distraction. With no wait staff, no noisy customers, and no pretense, the focus is where it should be—on the music. It’s intimate in the very best sense of the word. With all ears on the music, the experience becomes all the more intense inside this devoted space.
Once a month, he performs a solo set on a selection of vintage and modern keyboards drawn from his extensive collection. He’s always changing the keyboards, the equipment, and the settings, not to mention the sounds and music, so there is always a fresh show. The combination of music and neat visuals is an additional treat.
The Salon is set on a quiet neighborhood street (so please don’t disturb the neighbors). The first-floor room is a former music teacher’s studio, and living quarters are upstairs. There’s a break in between sets, with complimentary wine and nibblies, and it’s nice chatting with other music-lovers. It’s all so different from the anonymous distanced feel of some clubs. Fisher usually joins the band for at least one number, often more, making it an even more at-home vibe. It's a unique setting among the thousands of venues in Tokyo.
Because seating is limited, be sure to reserve in advance, and reserve early. To find out the latest, check his website and social media for updates on upcoming shows.
