Few jazz club stages in Tokyo fit anything larger than a quartet, much less a full 16-piece big band. The jazz club Someday in Shinbashi, though, has not only the space but the wherewithal to offer two weeks of the city's best big jazz bands. Though performances of full-size bands aren't rare, this annual pre-springtime rite brings out the tightest ensemble work of the year.

As the festival hits its 24th year, the bands prepare for this as if they were Mardi Gras dance troupes. Arranging charts takes huge amounts of time and scheduling 16 of the busiest jazz players in town for a practice session in Tokyo is a logistical nightmare. Musicians who have long since graduated from sidemen to leaders of their own groups, though, are eager to jump in as often as they can with old friends. Last year, saxophonist Tatsuya Sato sat in with a record seven bands.

Most jazz players started in big bands, so they like a chance to get back to their roots. Most importantly, though, as they are playing in front of their musician peers, something they do perhaps only once a year, the soloists are primed for impressive improvising. The band members, after all, are listening as closely as the audience.

Last year, every night was packed, so arriving early is highly advised. With appreciative, lively crowds, and standing room only most nights, the dynamic interplay of musicians and audience is a rare once-a-year event.