|
|
October 2012 |
Dear Friends,
I hope this message finds you
well, and that if you are affected by the big storm on the East Coast of the
U.S., you are safe and sound. Since my last newsletter, I've had some fun
experiences playing in Scotland and Japan, and now am looking forward to a new
CD release as well as to my annual tour of
California.
|
|
Lockerbie Jazz
Festival
My overseas trip at the end of
September began in the United Kingdom with the Lockerbie Jazz Festival. It was
my first time to play and to be in Scotland. This festival combines both
traditional and modern styles, so I was honored to be one of the musicians
representing classic jazz. I had the chance to see a good part of the
countryside -- miles and miles of open pasture dotted with sheep -- because one
of the concerts took place three hours north in Arbroath. I played in a
charming jazz club, located in the basement of an old castle, which often
presents traditional jazz, and was thrilled at how knowledgeable the audience
was.
The people I met in Scotland sure made me feel welcome, and of
course I enjoyed hearing that terrific Scottish accent (although I did have a
"wee" bit of a hard time understanding them as they talk very quickly!). I hope
I can return to their beautiful country and to the U.K.
soon.
|
Kobe Jazz Street
Festival
After Lockerbie, I headed around the world to the
Kobe Jazz Street Festival in Japan. It was founded 31 years ago to celebrate
early jazz and has been taking place annually ever since. Many musician friends
that I had met at other jazz festivals were there, and I made some new friends
as well. I hadn't been to Japan before, and was a little concerned that I
wouldn't be able to find my way around since none of the signs are in English,
but there were no problems. The Japanese are known for their precision and
attention to detail. Even still, it is no mean feat to get a dozen or so of us
non-Japanese-speaking foreigners to the right venues at the right times. I
don't think anyone got lost!
 |
| In my kimono with the gracious Akiko Suehiro, director of
Kobe Jazz Street |
On the opening night of the
festival, the organizer bestowed on me a stunning red silk kimono, complete with
a red and black lace sash. They had me wear it to play, even with the sleeves
that went down to my knees. Quite an experience!
 |
| After the jam session with all the guest musicians at Kobe
Jazz Street (Photo credit: Atsumi Yamamoto) |
I really
enjoyed the weekend because I had the chance to play with other musicians in
different ensembles, and the bandstand is the best place to learn! The jam
sessions in the hotel lobby were also a highlight for me -- a chance for the
musicians to be more spontaneous in the after hours.
This festival is
unique because the city of Kobe is filled with jazz clubs -- there seem to be
three or four jazz clubs on every street -- and these become the venues for the
festival. One of the things that impressed me about the Japanese is how
attentive they are when they listen, and how seriously they take music. They
always listen respectfully, and when they start clapping along to a song, they
clap exactly in time and don't stop until the song finishes! I'm so
grateful I had the opportunity to visit Japan and can't wait to go
back. |
Upcoming Release of Nouveau Stride
Album
I'm very excited to finally announce the release of
Fourteen, the album I have been working on for the past two years with
lyricist and vocalist Lorraine Feather! We are really satisfied with how all
the music and artwork for the CD turned out. It will officially be released on
Friday, November 23, at the San Diego Thanksgiving Dixieland Jazz Festival,
along with the debut that night of the live multimedia companion Nouveau Stride
show. In addition, the physical CD and a digital download will be available on
CD Baby by that date. More information can be found about our duo and the
Nouveau Stride program at this
website. |
November West Coast
Tour
I'm heading out west this Thursday and will be doing
concerts throughout California (L.A., San Francisco, Sacramento, San Diego, and
more) and some of them will be four-hands programs with the very talented jazz
pianist and my good friend from Italy, Paolo Alderighi. All the details about
this tour can be found on my Schedule page. Hope to see
you out there, or somewhere along the line soon! |
Thank you so much for all of your support!
Best wishes,
Stephanie
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
No comments:
Post a Comment