Orquesta Libre

Orquesta Libre (Japanese: オルケスタ・リブレ) is a Japanese large-ensemble project led by drummer and composer Yasuhiro Yoshigaki. Active since 2011, the group reimagines standards from jazz, rock, film, and theater for a flexible “mini-orchestra,” often with guest vocalists and collaborators.

The ensemble released two debut studio albums simultaneously in July 2012—one a two-disc vocal set with singer-songwriters Yoichiro Yanagihara and Yuichi Ohata, and the other an instrumental collection—on Yoshigaki's Glamorous Records imprint. A European tour followed, including an appearance at the Copenhagen Jazz Festival, and the group played at Fuji Rock Festival '12.

In 2013–2014 Orquesta Libre issued the Ellington tribute Plays Duke featuring pianist Suga Dairo and tap dancer RON×II, which received coverage in English-language jazz media.