Kaoru Abe

Kaoru Abe (阿部 薫, Abe Kaoru, May 7, 1949 – September 5, 1978) was a Japanese free jazz alto saxophonist. He was a central figure in the Japanese free improvisation scene of the 1970s. Abe was known for his intense and virtuosic improvisations, often characterized by extreme dynamics, rapid-fire arpeggios, and a seemingly boundless energy.

Abe began playing the clarinet at a young age before switching to the saxophone. He was heavily influenced by Charlie Parker and Ornette Coleman early in his career. He quickly developed his own unique voice, characterized by an uncompromising commitment to free expression.

He performed extensively in Japan, both solo and in collaboration with other musicians, including guitarist Masayoshi Urabe, drummer Sabu Toyozumi, and pianist Yosuke Yamashita. Though his career was short, ending with his premature death from a drug overdose, he left behind a significant body of recordings and a lasting influence on subsequent generations of improvisers, not only in Japan but internationally. His work continues to be rediscovered and appreciated for its raw power and uncompromising artistry. He remains a legendary figure in the world of free improvisation.