A jazzman for those in the know, Lew Tabackin helped redefine the big band solo, contributed to classic sessions and has toured worldwide continuously, giving workshops and playing venues large and small. His work collaborating, writing and arranging with his wife, Toshiko Akiyoshi, created one of the most riveting bands in jazz history and helped bring his sense of jazz to full maturity. He brings his "International Trio" to Japan for a tour this month.

Tabackin never let his and Toshiko's famed big band overwhelm his need to solo, however, and he remains one of jazz's most intriguing improvisers. Few jazz musicians can truly be said to have mastered two instruments, but Lew Tabackin can. Both his tenor sax and flute playing have remained at the top of jazz critics' polls for the past four decades. The only disappointing thing is that he can't play them both at the same time.

His upcoming tour of Japan with just bass and drum backup will allow plenty of time to solo. "Just," though, is not quite the right word, as bassist Boris Kozlov and drummer Mark Taylor are two of the most in-demand jazz players in New York. Though many sax and flute players stumble without the backing harmony of a guitar or piano, Tabackin obviously relishes the freedom to simply play. His solos dazzle with simultaneously well-built structure and entirely natural flow.

Because of his ties to Japan, Tabackin has played here often, but it's always remarkable how fresh he sounds every time he comes.