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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 |
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