feel.write.read by mamiko » linkedin

Oct 19 at Metropolitan Room (9:30PM/Late Show)

Mamiko — Sat, 15 Oct 2011 16:22:28 +0000

The time flies.
I thought it was a month away – I guess not.
It’s… this coming Wednesday!
Toru and I will be back in Metropolitan Room for this time
in late show, 9:30PM start.
It perhaps shouldn’t be called as late set because it’s not that late start.
But hey, it may be clearer to say so to differentiate with the other…. early show.
Anyway, “late show” sounds classier than saying 9:30 show. no?

This will be the last gig before I go to Japan in November, and
for a while I don’t have a duo gig until December.
So don’t miss it. Join us on Wednesday, October 19.

Metropolitan Room

from 9:30 PM (1 set only)
$10 Admission
2 drinks minimum
For Advance Tickets, http://tinyurl.com/mamiko-toru19OCT2011

Mamiko Taira (vocal)
Toru Dodo (piano)

Metropolitan Room is conveniently located in the heart of Chelsea:

34 West 22nd St.
Between 5th and 6th Avenues
New York, NY 10010

For your table reservation, please call at
212.206.0440

Change the topic.

You may know or may not know, but anyhow,
I had recording sessions in the end of September.
In the past, I had at least 2 opportunities to make an album
and went into the studios (excl. demos or small projects).
However, I didn’t like what came out of them, and call both of them off
(stayed within pre-production and didn’t go in to the production
- yep, executive decision indeed.)
I won’t get into the reasons why I didn’t, but
the one thing I can say is that it was a right decision for both times.
It was a big detour perhaps. But… so what?
That’s just me, and it is absolutely acceptable in my book (lol).

Let me tell you… it was a fun session.
Toru was awesome to the max, Miki was sweet and fabulous as always,
Michael was supportive at the console, Shinya helped me greatly
(and considering the perfectness of him being there at that time
- nearly a miracle)… What can I be and do instead of having fun?

I am thinking of mastering them in December until I figure out
which tunes to be included, in what order to put
as well as thinking of cover design.
Hopefully I can get this baby out in next Spring.
Stay tuned;)

So I had fun. That’s all good.
I have learned a lot in many ways.
That’s also good. Particularly and concisely…
the emphasis was on learning about myself – I think.

Mamiko 4 at Tomi Jazz on Wednesday, September 21st

Mamiko — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 17:54:46 +0000

It’s less than a week, my friends!
The show starts at 9PM.
2 sets of wholesome sound of Mamiko 4 (you know what I mean…)

$10 cover – regardless of you staying just 1 set or both sets.
$10 minimum – likewise… regardless of you staying just 1 set or both sets.

BTW,
I am not expecting another gig of my own quartet in this year after this show.
What does it mean?
It means you have to wait for the next year if you miss this show!

Please join us.
You won’t regret it ;)

Wednesday, September 21
from 9PM to 11:30PM

Mamiko 4 at Tomi Jazz

2 sets
$10 cover, $10 minimum

Mamiko Taira (vocal)
Toru Dodo (piano)
Steve Whipple (bass)
Tomoaki Kanno (drums)

Tomi Jazz is located on:
239 E53rd Street
(bet. 2nd and 3rd Avenues)
New York, NY 10022

*** small talk ***
Mamiko/Toru duo will return to Metropolitan Room in the month of October.
Please stay tuned for the detail :)

[Rough Mix] the Island-outtake #1 (2010) Mamiko 2

Mamiko — Mon, 29 Aug 2011 02:01:48 +0000

The Island – outtake #1 (2010) <　Click the link!
Recorded at 58N6 Media Labs (Rough Mix)

Hurricane Irene gave me a ton of hours to go through my music library including my own recorded stuff. This particular track is an “outtake” and the very first take of the tune. The reason it became an outtake is simply I stuck with the lyric and it bothered me (otherwise it sounded quite nice as demo! haha.) Enjoy.

ハリケーンのお陰で時間がたっぷりできたので、色々と手持ちの音源をチェックしてました。自分のデモトラックとボツテイクなんかもバッチリ（笑）。その中から、あ、これ悪くないなと思ったthe Islandのボツテイク、この曲のファーストテイクをアップします。自分が歌詞に引っかかっていなかったら、多分、このテイクを採用していたんじゃないかな？と思います。とほほ。精進、精進、、、

Upcoming Shows:

Tuesday, September 6 at Metropolitan Room

Mamiko 2

Wednesday, September 21 at Tomi Jazz (Midtown East)
Mamiko 4
(Mamiko Taira on vocal, Toru Dodo on piano,
Steve Whipple on bass, and Tomo Kanno (drums)
$10 cover with $10 minimum (drink or food)

August/September Schedule

Mamiko — Mon, 08 Aug 2011 02:44:22 +0000

Maybe I am addicted to NY1. Being addicted may not be a perfect word… but for now, I will take it ‘cos it works. Keeping cable plan just to feed my NY1 urge is my big question on my monthly household budget. To be precise, just to keep myself available in the morning for Pat and Roger, I am paying easily $60 or more monthly – and checking the weather included. I guess it’s $2 per day if I converts it to daily. $2 a day. I can’t even judge if $2 a day is luxe or not (haha!). I guess again I am going to keep you, Pat and Roger for this month and accept myself being one of many NY1 addicts…

Speaking of weather, this Monday, the 8th has a sunny mark on the forecast. No rain on Monday is totally welcomed by NB Lounge! Despite we have still no piano at the lounge, we continue our music from 8PM – 11PM (I appreciate Toru’s effort for bringing his keyboard!) As usual, there’s no cover charge nor minimum. Please join us, grab your fav. drink, and chill.

Monday, August 8
at NB Lounge

NB Lounge at the Lombardy Hotel
from 8PM to 11PM

111 E56th Street
(bet. Park and Lex)
New York, NY 10022

Just a heads-up for September…

I will be back to Tomi Jazz on Wednesday, September 21 with the same band from the last June, Toru Dodo on piano, Steve Whipple on bass, and Tomoaki Kanno on drums. I have a really good feeling about performing in quartet, and want to seek more opportunities along with my other projects. Your support showing up at Tomi Jazz, for instance, means a lot to me. Please mark your calendar on 9/21, and continue your support not just for Mamiko 4 and “live jazz” in New York.

Monday at NB Lounge, Wednesday at Tomi Jazz

Mamiko — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 04:49:29 +0000

Just because I sent out emails on my mailing list
about this coming Wednesday’s gig at Tomi Jazz,
that doesn’t mean I forgot about my NB Monday.
Because I am listening to Yuming to learn songs for the event on July 7th,
that doesn’t make me forget about my Monday either.

Monday is Monday,
but with the Music, Monday is always special…

Monday, June 20
8PM to 11PM

at NB Lounge
on E56th St bet Park and Lex
(a part of the Lombardy Hotel)
New York, NY 10022

No Cover, No Minimum

Then, Wednesday, the 22nd.
According to the weather news, this week is filled with rainy days.
Wednesday isn’t the exception – sadly.
I am really, really hoping the miracle will bring the clear night for us.

Wednesday, June 22
from 9PM to 11:30PM

at Tomi Jazz
on 239 E 53rd St bet 2nd 3rd Avenues
(at the lower level)
New York, NY 10022

$10 cover, $10 minimum

Lastly, but kind of important news…

Today, on Monday, June 20, the ADVANCE TICKETS for Yuming Things 2
goes on sale from 9AM EDT at the following website.
When you buy it in advance, you will save $5.
Each show is $10 in advance.

http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/183485

April Schedule (and few lines of blah x3)

Mamiko — Thu, 24 Mar 2011 22:06:55 +0000

Before we close the third chapter of 2011,
I have one more date at NB Lounge.
How can I skip this and go on?

The very last Monday of March, on the 28th, NB Lounge will have
Art Hirahara on piano and yours truly, Mamiko on vocal.
My famous “Pray for Japan Tip Jar” continues throughout the month of March,
and the 28th isn’t the exception. All your tip jar proceeds will be donated to
Japan Disaster Relief Fund (The first 2 weeks’ donation was sent to
GlobalGiving – FYI).

Monday, March 28

NB Lounge

Mamiko Taira

Art Hirahara

No Cover/No Minimum

NB Lounge at the Lombardy Hotel
111 E56th Street
(bet Park and Lex)
New York, NY 10022

OK. Now, let’s talk about my April schedule.

In the first weekend of April,
Saturday, April 2nd at At Central Park Naumburg Bandshell.
I will be performing with Toru as part of this Japan relief charity event,
“Hand in Hand Project ~for Japan~.”
We are thinking of doing Japanese songs. (yay!)

Also, in the same event, our good friends,
Mari Koga and Chiemi Nakai will perform as well
(They will be billed as “Afronaughtica.”)
On one fine day, at one fine event in the park,
we gather together for a great cause.
Please join us at Central Park Naumburg Bandshell on
Saturday, the 2nd.

Saturday, April 2

Hand in Hand Project ~for Japan~

At Central Park Naumburg Bandshell (Mid-Park from 66th to 72nd Streets)

Afronaughtica
(Contemporary Afro-Cuban & Jazz Unit by Chiemi Nakai & Mari Koga)
Kenichi Ebina
(dancer)
Mamiko Taira + Toru Dodo
(Jazz Duo)

Monday, April 4
@ NB Lounge from 7:30 PM to 11PM
with Yoshi Waki (bass)

Wednesday, April 6
@ G-Bar
from 6 PM to 10 PM
579 Grand Concourse, Bronx, NY 10451

Bonz Satoh (sax),
Akiko Tsuruga (organ),
Luciana Padmore (drums),
Mamiko Taira (vocal)

Monday, April 11
@ NB Lounge from 7:30 PM to 11PM
with Art Hirahara (piano)

Monday, April 18
@ NB Lounge from 7:30 PM to 11PM
with Toru Dodo (piano)

Monday, April 25
@ NB Lounge from 7:30 PM to 11PM
with Toru Dodo (piano)

NB Lounge is located on
111 E56th Street
(between Park and Lexington Avenues)
New York, NY 10022
No Cover, No Minimum

Almost Spring,
almost April,
and almost weekend.
A vague line of “is” and “almost,”
its distance looks closer than we see
and farther than we feel.
This morning’s snow might be your sigh, Winter.
The sigh makes us feel guilty, and
remind us how much we tried to love you, but we couldn’t.
Don’t be sad, Winter.
You surely will come back and stay with us…

no title, just another random things

Mamiko — Thu, 17 Feb 2011 18:05:21 +0000

ここのところ、英語続きだったような気がするので久しぶりに日本語で書いてみます。

さて、最近のワタクシですが。
アレルギーシーズンを目の前にしているのにも関わらず
（今年のは、去年よりヤバイとの話ですけれども）、
なんだか大変落ち着いています。
落ち着いているというか、開き直ってるというか。
すごく自分がオープンな状態にあるように感じてます。
なんなんでしょうね？こゆ感じは。
いいことも、いやなことも、なんだか面白いことも、つまらないことも、
色々、起こりますよね、生きていれば。
加えて、音楽の世界に身を置いていれば、それまた特有の様々なことが起こりますし…
なんか、そゆ一つ一つの事柄を、ひっくるめて受け止めてしまえるような
そんな安定感、でしょうか。
それとも、世の中にもまれ続けたが故の我慢強さに磨きがかかったのでしょうか？笑

足りないものは一杯あるんです。
でも、足りないところも含めて、今の自分なわけでして。
全て足りていればいいかっていうと、そうでもない気がするのです。
ドーナッツの真ん中に穴があることの意味みたいな？

え？（呆）

…話は変わりますがっ。

昨年の冬の初めに嫌な風邪をひいたあと、
偶々読んだ雑誌にインフルエンザなどにかかり難くするには
ビタミンD3がいい、と書いてあったので
騙されたと思ってD3を飲み始めて、丁度２ヶ月ぐらい経ちます。
飲み始めて以来、確かに風邪をひいていないところを見ると
もしかして、効果があるのかしら？
皆様も風邪対策にお試しあれ！

最後に。

来週の月曜日のラウンジは、
久しぶりに高免くんとご一緒します。ギター、ギター！
ご都合が宜しければ是非。

Monday, February 21
from 7:30 PM till 11 PM
at NB Lounge

Mamiko Taira (vocal)
Nobuki Takamen (guitar)

No Cover, No Minimum

NB Lounge at the Lombardy Hotel
111 E56th Street
(bet. Park and Lexington Avenues)
New York, NY 10022

Reminder: No MAMIKO Today at NB (2/14/2011)

Mamiko — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 18:19:56 +0000

This is just a friendly reminder to my supporters: I won’t be at NB Lounge tonight, 2/14.

I kept apologizing in the past few days (lol), but let me repeat…
I am so sorry! AND I truly appreciate your thoughtful messages
and the kindest remarks regarding this schedule change.
I cannot thank enough, and your support means so much to me.

I will be back in the lounge on Monday, February 21 with Nobuki on guitar.
Please come back and show your lovely face to us. I will sing my heart out!

My March schedule is now up. The March will rotate two different duos:
Art/Mamiko and Senri/Mamiko duo. It’ll be a good month :)

Lastly…

What I do is what I love.
I do it because I love it.
I want to be honest musically as well as personally.

MUSIC = LOVE = HONESTY

These are key ingredients of who I am.

Happy Valentine’s Day.

[SCHEDULE]

Monday, February 21

NB Lounge

Mamiko Taira (vocal)
Nobuki Takamen (guitar)

Monday, February 28
from 7:30 PM to 11PM
@ NB Lounge

Mamiko Taira (vocal)
Nobuki Takamen (guitar)

Monday, March 7
from 7:30 PM to 11PM
@ NB Lounge

Mamiko Taira (vocal)
Senri Oe (piano)

Monday, March 14
from 7:30 PM to 11PM
@ NB Lounge

Mamiko Taira (vocal)
Art Hirahara (piano)

Monday, March 21
from 7:30 PM to 11PM
@ NB Lounge

Mamiko Taira (vocal)
Senri Oe (piano)

Monday, March 28
from 7:30 PM to 11PM
@ NB Lounge

Mamiko Taira (vocal)
Art Hirahara (piano)

NB Lounge at the Lombardy Hotel
111 E56th Street
(bet Park and Lexington)
New York, NY 10022

No Cover, No Minimum

View Larger Map

Update: No music on 2/14 at NB Lounge

Mamiko — Fri, 11 Feb 2011 19:01:40 +0000

This is not the greatest news I can bring you, but here we go… (Japanese entry follows)

Although the schedule has been published on
jazz freepapers like Hot House, web, ML, facebook and such,
I regret to inform you that my gig on February 14 is cancelled.
I was looking forward to sing for you, but the hotel booked the private function on that day.
There is nothing I can do here, but to apologize to whom have planned the night :(

I particularly feel bad to those who were expecting to see Senri.
What I can do is to make up to you in March.
Please come back and check the schedule here on my HP or
you can add your email to my list here: http://mamiko.fanbridge.com

See you on the following Monday, February 21.
Nobuki will return to the lounge 2 weeks in a row.
It will be a fun evening – I guarantee you.

Monday, February 21
from 7:30 PM to 11 PM
at NB Lounge

Mamiko Taira

Nobuki Takamen

No Cover, No Minimum

NB Lounge
111 E56th St., New York, NY 10022

View Larger Map

では日本語で、、、

こういうことっていうのは、頻繁には起こらないのですが、
その決して頻繁ではない出来事が、ぐわーん、来週の月曜に当たりまして
本日はそのお知らせです。
来週の月曜日、１４日のラウンジは、プライベートのイベントが入りまして
ラウンジが貸切となり、ギグがキャンセルになりました。
ワタシ自身、楽しみにしていたので凹んでます。
でも、それよりもお相手をお願いしていたsenriさんに申し訳ないなーと。
更に、この日は行くよ～と名乗り出てくださっていたお客様に大変申し訳ないです。
本当にごめんなさい。
３月に、是非、この組み合わせはmake upさせて頂きますので
宜しくお願い致します。

ということで、次のラウンジは再来週の２１日の月曜日、
高免くんとのデュオです。
高免くんとは、新年会で顔をあわせたっきりですので、
会って演奏するのが楽しみです！
きっと楽しい夜になると思いますので、皆様、気合いれて
遊びにいらしてくださいねっ！

詳細はこちらです。

明日、二月二日は富ジャズです。

Mamiko — Tue, 01 Feb 2011 20:59:56 +0000

昨晩のNBは、しっとりとした大人の夜となりました（明らかに平均年齢が高かった！）。
お越し下さった皆様、どうもありがとうございました。
来週の月曜日、７日は引き続き、百々・麻美子組です。
何度もブログやらFacebookやらでリピートしておりますが、
来週の月曜日を逃しますと、この百々・麻美子組のデュオは４月まで御預けですので、
是非、是非、「どどりーん、いってらっしゃーい！」の気分で、７日の月曜日は
NB Loungeへお越し下さいませ～。

さて、さて、ついにやって参りましたTomi Jazzのお届けする特別企画、
Nights of Senri Oe: Day 2、いよいよ明日です。
こうしてブログを打ってる今も、新曲の歌詞を覚えようと
必死で音源を聞いているっちゅう（笑）。
今日も、本来でしたらTomi JazzさんにいってDay 1のトリオの応援に行くべきなんでしょう。
でも、ワタシは家で練習する予定です。（うぅぅぅぅっ、ごめんなさーい。）

ま、これには色々ありまして。
歌詞カードをじっと見ながら歌詞を覚えるっていうのが
結構苦手で、実際に何度も歌いながらメロディーもコードも歌詞も
みんな一緒に体に叩き込まないと駄目なタイプなのです。

今思ったんですが、２月２日、２が二つ並んでますね。
デュオも２ですね。セット数も２です、ちなみに。
２が沢山ありますねー…って、（笑）

明日、お世話になりますTomi Jazzさんは、
ちょっと懐かしいような、居心地のよい空間、
東京、私鉄沿線にある、皆が気軽に立ち寄るような
敷居の低い、そんなイメージがあります。
お洒落すぎない、でも落ち着きすぎもしない。
実際、入り口も半地下で隠れ家の要素も持ち合わせていたりして。
メニューだって、日本のバー・メニューの王道を行っています。
これは、居酒屋さんや、所謂ジャパニーズ・レストランには真似ができません。

そして、ここで

ジャズ

なんです。
それも、レコードをかけるとか、CDをかけるとか、有線を流すとか、
そういうのではなくて、ちゃんと

ライブ・ジャズ

です。贅沢でしょう？
初めて富ジャズさんに遊びに行ったとき、思いましたもの、
うわ、日本だ、ジャズだ、これ、贅沢だ！って。

手に届く贅沢。
ワタシにも、貴方にも。

その富ジャズで、今回、senriさんとご一緒するわけですが、
senriさんとのデュオがどんなもんか、とワタシの視点から見ますと、、、
イディオムはジャズかもしれないけれども、
お互いに培ってきた音楽を素直に交えよう、
といった感覚でワタシは捉えています。
だから、自分の引き出しの中のものを
色々引っ張り出して、向き合って音楽やってるって感じです。

正直なところ、歌をうたう方の前で歌をうたうっていうのは
照れるんです（って、そういうこと、ないですかね？シンガーの皆様。）
でもって、ミュージシャン歴の長いsenriさん、大先輩の前でうたうってのは、
さーらーにっ照れるっ、照れるんですよ。
（そう見えませ～ん、って一斉に色々な方に言われそうですけど。）
でも、どうひっくり返っても、ワタシは私の音か出ないので、
開き直ってお手合わせ頂いてるというか（笑）。
ちょっとは想像、つきましたでしょうか？どんな感じか。
やはり、実際にお聞き頂くのがベストでしょう。

これから色々なことが出来そうな気がしますし、
どんどん変化していき、成長していくと思いますので、
その出発点みたいなところを、一緒に体験していただける、
そんな夜になると思います。

皆様、明日はTomi Jazzでお会いしましょう！

Wednesday, February 2
Tomi Jazz Presents
Nights of Senri Oe Part 2

Senri Oe (piano)
Mamiko Taira (vocal)

Reservation is recommended!
Call 646-497-1254

Tomi Jazz
239 East 53rd Street, Lower Level
(Bet 2nd & 3rd Avenues)
New York, NY 10022