Stagger Lee

Hiroshi Suzuki and His Happy Cats were a Japanese jazz group led by trombonist Hiroshi Suzuki, a highly regarded figure in Japan's jazz scene. His music blends hard bop and modal jazz styles, often characterized by smooth, expressive melodies and richly textured arrangements.

In the Happy Cats' version, the emphasis lies on creating a moody, groove-heavy arrangement with dynamic horn lines and a relaxed yet commanding rhythm section. The trombone, played by Suzuki himself, leads the melody with soulful, lyrical phrasing, while the other instruments weave in layers of harmony and rhythm. The performance encapsulates the band’s ability to take a familiar tune and transform it into something uniquely their own within the context of Japanese jazz.