feel.write.read by mamiko » Yoshi Waki

七月です。

Mamiko — Wed, 06 Jul 2011 20:38:16 +0000

今夜は、これからBronxのGiovanni’sというレストランの中のG-Barという場所で演奏です。
Bronxと言っても、かなり南端、East Harlemに隣接しているエリアなので、
ほとんど感覚としてはマンハッタン。地下鉄に乗っていると車窓の風景に変化が乏しいので
（っていうか、暗い、です、単に）、気が付くとブロンクス、なんだ近いじゃない、って。

レギュラーのオルガンの敦賀明子嬢が、某所で某グループと演奏なので、
代わって百々徹さまが今回は参加してくださいます。

Wedenesday, July 6
Bonz Satoh 4
at G-Bar
579 Grand Concourse,
Bronx, NY

from 6PM to 10PM

No Cover, No Minimum

そして！Yuming Things 2いよいよ明日です。
いやー、なんだかスゴイことになりそうです。
ポスター、素敵ですよね。千里さん、絵を描いて下さってありがとうございます。
７時にドア・オープン。
前半は７時半から、後半は９時半から。
今夜までは、チケット前売りでイケマスよ。

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

June Schedule

Mamiko — Tue, 31 May 2011 21:08:43 +0000

June and July look like a kind of
“mentally and musically occupied months” to be – at least in my book.
A handful of great surprises awaits…

For tomorrow, Wednesday, June 1, Bonz Satoh Quartet kicks off the month of June right (every first Wednesday of the month). “G-Bar” is a Bronx local favorite harmoniously neighbors next to East Harlem across the river, and it is a part of an Italian Restaurant, Giovanni’s. You can take 2, 4, or 5 trains and get off at 149th St & Grand Concourse. Or take a cross town bus, M 19 from West/East Harlem if you are an uptowner. Bonz Satoh 4 is Bonz Satoh on Sax, Akiko Tsuruga on Organ, Luciana Padmore on drums, and Mamiko Taira on vocal.

Monday Jazz at NB Lounge runs from 8PM till 11PM on every Monday, and my regular pianist Toru Dodo will be here the entire month of June except Monday, June 13. I am positive he will be away often in Summer like any other Summer, so be sure to catch us together in June.

Who’s going to play for the 13th? For now, I am undecided, and I may even consider doing solo gig on that day just for fun. (how unusual the occasion would be?) Please come back to this site to check to see if I made up my mind doing it or got someone for that day. OR you will be notified if you add yourself to my mailing list :) Drop me a line: mamiko@mmkmmk.com

Fanfare, please!

On Wednesday, June 22, I will be at Tomi Jazz from 9-11:30PM. For this time, 3 outstanding musicians are with me: Toru Dodo on piano, Steve Whipple on bass, and Tomoaki Kanno on drums. It is a great pleasure to work with them, and I am looking forward to playing at Tomi Jazz.

Besides I had performed in Japan in last year, I haven’t present any performance in my own quartet setting. I believe the last time I had my leader quatert gig in the US was… 2 years ago. It’s about a time, isn’t it? I think so, too.

AND a sneak blurb…

In last year, 2010, on March 3, Yuming Things were held at the Triad Theater presented 16 musical gems from Yumi Matsutoya songbook performed by 4 jazz singers backed with the finest Japanese jazz men in New York. It was a great success that gave us overwhelming responses from audiences to musicians. I, as the project lead, couldn’t decide if this show should give one more shot as the series or just leave it as one time only deal. I gave a lot of thought and decided to do it again, and for this time, I will go with a simple and small, but mighty quartet to deliver our acoustic rendition of Yumi (Arai) Matsutoya music teamed up with Senri Oe as a musical collaborator and Hiroshi Kono of Mar Creation as a production collaborator. In addition, we’ll have Yoshi Waki on bass and Yutaka Uchida on drums to complete the band.

I would like you to mark your calendar on Thursday, July 7 from 7 to 11. More details to come. Please stay tuned. This year’s Tanabata is going to be very special…

June 2011

Mondays, June 6, 20, and 27

NB Lounge

Monday, June 13
@NB Lounge from 8PM to 11PM
TBA
* I may end up doing Solo. Let’s see…

111 E56th Street
(between Park and Lexington Avenues)
New York, NY 10022
No Cover, No Minimum

Wednesday, June 22
@ Tomi Jazz from 9PM to 11:30PM
239 East 53rd Street, Lower Level
(Bet 2nd and 3rd Avenue)
New York, NY 10022

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

Sat 4/2 CP, Mon 4/4 NB, and Wed 4/6 GB – WHAT!?

Mamiko — Fri, 01 Apr 2011 16:29:35 +0000

These are NOT a secret code – at least, I have no intention to be a secret. Screaming and shouting, kicking and jumping, it is going to be an interesting week for me.

This Saturday, April 2nd is at Central Park’s Naumburg Band Shell with Toru Dodo (piano) doing duo work. Miki Hirose (trumpet) will join us on couple of tunes which I am highly excited about. Little twists on this gig are (1) it is a charity concert and other talented artists will share the stage with us and (2) we will mainly do Japanese songs with our own interpretations. The weather is supposed to be fine for tomorrow. Come to the bandshell by noon, then let’s make the history together!

And on Monday, the 4th at NB Lounge, Yoshi Waki (bass) is back and do some duo with me. I believe the last time Yoshi came to the lounge was back in November (was it?). Singing with just bass is totally a thrill, and at the same time, it can be called a self test of own musicianship (s-e-r-i-o-u-s-ly. You know what I mean, yes?). Be the witness and see how far we’ll go (or fly!). If you are courageous enough, please sit in at the 3rd set ;)

Then, the excitement continues. On Wednesday, the 6th, I will be at G-Bar in Bronx with Bonz Satoh (sax), Akiko Tsuruga (organ), and Luciana Padmore (drums). I thank Bonz and Akiko who recommended me to Bonz. Clearly and positively, this will be a major burst of “girl power.” We will swing and swing all the way till the end of the night!

Saturday, April 2

Hand in Hand Project ~for Japan~

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

12:30PM-1:00PM
Mamiko Taira (vocal) and Toru Dodo (piano)
with the guest, Miki Hirose (trumpet)

Monday, April 4
@ NB Lounge from 7:30 PM to 11PM
111 E56th Street
(bet Park and Lexington)
New York, NY 10022

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)

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…

Last Thursday, Weekend, and This Monday & Thursday (Wow!)

Mamiko — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 05:13:41 +0000

All photos are from the gig on Thursday, August 12th at NB Lounge.
Photo #1 thru 3 by Mari Koga
Photo #4 by Joe Gianono

I thought of writing something to describe how the last Thursday went, but showing you the pictures perhaps is the quickest and best way to let you feel how it was. If I will describe the night…. it was lovely and a full of fun moments. I thank Waki-san who was brave enough to do gigs in this setting not just once, but twice in a single week (at Langan’s and NB Lounge.) Thank you for those who came out and support the music including all singers who sat in and made the nights lovelier and merrier ;)

This Monday, the 16th is with Tadataka at the Lounge. As usual, it starts at 7:30 PM and close the set by 11PM. No Cover, No Minimum. Please join us for a drink (or two!).

Monday, August 16

NB Lounge

Mamiko Taira (vocal)
Tadataka Unno (piano)

No Cover, No Minimum

In this Thursday, Toru will back in the Lounge with Yoshi on bass. Did I say BASS? Yes. Sort’a a summer special live that I have booked at NB for the first time. This is my way to show “thank you” and telling “sorry” to you for postponing 2 of Toru/Mamiko duo gigs in this month and September. It is rare to have trio gig at NB; therefore, please mark your calendar (or set your alarm on your cell phone) and join us on Thursday, the 19th at NB Lounge.

Thursday, August 19

NB Lounge

Mamiko Taira (vocal)
Toru Dodo (piano)
Yoshi Waki (bass)

No Cover, No Minimum

I am bit freaking out lately because people around me seem having really, really strange coughs.
Whenever I encounter this sort of “freaking out” situation,
My hand reaches out to a little mighty pack of Emergen-C.
(Note: I am NOT an endorser of Emergen-C!)
Dunno if this does help or not, but at least I am being pro-active.
As I write this post, I am having Pink Lemonade one now.
It’s OK in taste-wise, but fizzes are great! (“fizz” is the best part of Emergen-C, no?)

Cheers to you for our good health…. Good night!

Thu, August 12 at NB Lounge

Mamiko — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 21:11:17 +0000

Thursday, August 12

NB Lounge at the Lombardy Hotel
111 E56th Street
(between Park and Lexington)

Mamiko Taira (vocal)
Yoshi Waki (bass)

No Cover/Minimum

色々なでことに挫けそうになってます。
（ませんか？）
それでも誰かに救われたり、偶然な出来事に救われて
結局、まだ挫けずに済んでいる、そんな毎日、
皆様は如何お過ごしでしょうかぁ？
ま、色々あるんですけどね、大きい事柄から小さい事柄まで、
ワータシにも、あーなたにもっ！笑

例えば。

髪を伸ばしている最中なんですが、もう、毎日、切りたい衝動に駆られっぱなしだし！
（え、そんな次元の話をしていたんですか？って言わないように。）
でもその都度、ヘアスタイリストの方に救われておりまして、
なんとか、未だ切らずに肩につくか、つかないかぐらいまでたどり着きました。
目指していた夏にはポニーテイル！みたいな展開にはなりそうにないですが、
冬にはできるかもしれないぞ、と。

あまりにも例がイージー過ぎましたか？すぎましたね…
ひゃひゃ。

話は変わりますが、

春にジョセフさんとボーカルとベースのデュオのセッティングで
ご一緒したのを覚えていらっしゃる方もおられますね？
先週末の土曜日にLangan’sでベースの脇さんと
ボーカル、ベースでデュオ、みっちり3セットという
大胆な企画の第二弾を強行致しまして、、
（いや、誰も無理強いはしていないんですけど言ってみました）。
とても楽しい夜だったです。

が！

自分の弱さ（至らなさっていうんでしょうか）、
それが全面に出るので笑いが止まりませんでした。
そう、笑いにも色々な角度、奥行きがあるということで（え？）。

で！

その笑いの延長戦（？）が、明日の木曜日に控えておりまして…
ピアノと歌う時とも、ギターと歌う時とも違う
なんとも言えない、いい具合のスカスカした。

間も音符、
休符も音符、

みたいな感じ、味わって頂けるのではないかと。
あと、土曜日よりは、二度目の明日の方が、
流れもスムースかも！という期待も無きにしも非ずで。
（って、どういう誘い方をしているのでしょう？いったい！）

なんだか天気悪そうなんですけどね、明日も。
昨日もそういう予報だったのに降らなかったのが
ちょっと気になります。
でもですね、雨が降っても、わたしゃ歌うわけです。
なので、遊びに来てください。

This must be something to do with lack of sleep

Mamiko — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 21:12:03 +0000

In August, under 90 some degrees of dreadful weather,
“Santa Claus is Coming to Town” keeps spinning in my head.

“Oh! You better watch out,
You better not cry,
You better not pout,
I’m telling you why…”

Tell me why if you can.
Really.
Tell meeeee!

This must be something to do with
lack of sleep staying up until 5AM.

my head might be pierced with darts
while we were playing last night,
and “the sense of seasons” was the one
drained through the hole.

Maybe Not.

Anyhow,
I am hoping any of my words to the songs
didn’t get slipped through the hole
‘cos I have gigs tomorrow and this Saturday…

Thursday, August 5
NB Lounge

111 E56th St at the Lombardy Hotel
(bet. Park and Lexington)
New York, NY 10022

Mamiko Taira (vocal)
Nobuki Takamen (guitar)

Saturday, August 7
Langan’s Bar and Restaurant
150 W47th St
(Near by the 7th Ave)
New York, NY 10036
from 9:30 PM to 12:30 AM
No Cover, No Minimum

Mamiko Taira (vocal)
Yoshi Waki (bass)

Download iCal for Langan’s on Sat, Aug 7

Oh, Darts.
it was much fun than I thought.
BTW, Is there any regularity in the placement of those numbers
on the board?
Just curious…

[Langan's Map]

View Larger Map

今日は短めにギグの宣伝だけ、、、
日本語ブログは、夜に何か書こうと思ってます！

明日は、3週連続の高免くんの木曜日、3度目、ファイナルです。
どうやらセットが終わった後のラーメンセッションは既にプランの中に含まれている模様。
参加したい方は、NBへお越しくださるか、
11時半ぐらいに三四郎に行くと我々と落ち合えるかも？かも。

土曜日は、いつもの如くという感じですが、
Langan’sのお仕事を昨晩頂きました（いつも間際です。）
未だ、お相手してくださる方が決まっていないのですが、
決まり次第、お知らせいたしますね。
ここも、NB同様、No Cover, No Minimumの気軽にお越し頂けるお店です。

皆様にお会いできますように願いつつ、、、
麻美子より。

Tonight/Next Month/Fall: Schedule Highlights

Mamiko — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 20:44:08 +0000

For Japanese entry, please click HERE.
日本語のブログ・エントリーはこちらへどうぞ。

Thursday, July 15

NB Lounge

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

Mamiko Taira (vocal)
Toru Dodo (piano)

No Cover, No Minimum

This is your last chance to catch me and Toru together
until he comes back from Somi’s Eastern Africa Tour.
The next time you will see him at NB is Thursday, August 19.
He will be away 4 weeks. (sigh.)

So, please join me tonight at NB Lounge
and help me expressing how we all are going to miss him in these weeks:)

What are you doing on Wednesday, July 28th?
Tadataka and I will be at Miles’ Cafe on Wednesday, the 28th
from 9:30 to 11:30.
I believe this is the first time for Tada to play at Miles’ Cafe,
and for me, the first time to play with Tada at the cafe as well
(the past 3 performances were with Toru.)
It’s going to be an another beautiful evening of great American songbooks!

Wednesday, July 28

Miles’ Cafe

Mamiko Taira (vocal)
Tadataka “Tada” Unno (piano)

$10 cover, $7 minimum

I have newly set up the “schedule” page on my blog. (Ah! finally!!)
You can check it clicking the top menu, “SCHEDULE.”
OR simply bookmark this page on your browser.

On the schedule page, you’ll see my updated August schedule as well as
few highlights of September and October schedule.

August 2010

In August, I have highlighed Thursday, August 19.
I have scheduled Toru and Yoshi on that day.
NB Lounge is normally a duo gig, but for Thursday, the 19th,
I decided to put 2 gents on the gig.
Why? This is my gesture to thoese who were exited to have
“Dodo Day” in the same week and unfortunately it has been postponed
due to the schedule conflict. Take this as my “apology” gift to you,
and “my little staycation” treat for me :)

Also, I have “Bass-Vocal Duo” day with Yoshi a week before.
Mark your calendar on Thursday, August 12.
It’s going to be fun.

Mondays are all looking good.
Who’s on all Mondays in August?
Yes. Tadataka is on.
What can I ask for more?

In September, Toru and I have a double bill gig with a wonderful unit called
“Go-Zee-Lah.” Go-Zee-Lah is a duo with Kyoko Kitamura and Yayoi Ikawa.
We will perform at 5C Cafe in downtown on Saturday, September 11.
The theme is Japanese songs, and as you guessed, we’ll do our own interpretation of them.
It’ll be a wonderful night, and I will make sure to inform you
for more detail when the date gets closer…

In October, I will be in Tokyo from Monday, October 18 through 30.
Boy, I am so excited to see you, the folks in Japan!
There are 3 gigs in Tokyo metro area, and I am sure you can make it at least one of them.
Please spread words to your friends!
Click “October 2010” to see when I will be at in which venue…
And I sincerely thank all of you who have helped me
and still are helping me out through giving insights,
making directive suggestions, and literally going through troubles with me!!
Also, I must say thank you for those who kindly agreed to have me play
at your venue and who will play with me on these gigs.
Without you, I am nothing. Really.
I sincerely thank you for your offers and generosity
(you know who I’m sending my love to!)

皆様、有意義な夏をお過ごしでしょうか？
今週は、New York Philharmonic: Concerts in the Parksのあった週で、
毎年行くというのがワタシ的夏、というわけで、両日行くつもりで計画していました。
が、初日は、みきちゃんとシンノスケ君のお天気予報に従って（！）
行くのを断念（でも、結局コンサートはあったのです。
きっとミキちゃんは悔しくて眠れなかったことでしょう！）。
翌日のコンサートは、あけみちゃんと決行。
見事に晴れ、花火も満喫、人も適度に混み、電話が通じないほどのパンク状態にはならず、
素敵な夜になりました。

最近、10月の日本がらみのブッキングやら、なにやらでバタバタしていたせいか、
完全に体内、脳内時計が狂っている今日この頃。
寝不足や肩こりが、まったく感じられないぐらい
ピークを通りこしてるという、なんとも頂けない状態。
でも、仕方ないというか、なんというか、慣れちゃったというか。

でも、とりあえず東京のギグ、3本、場所、メンバー、出揃って一安心。
もう、松岡ゆかりを一として、智さん、どどりん、雅威さん、
山川（父＆娘）さん、池さん、もうリストし出したら止まらない！
それこそまだ巻き込んでる真っ最中なんですが、
朗君、めぐちゃん・淳君ご夫妻、がーっと巻き込み、
東へ足を向けて眠れない状況は続いております。
月初めに読んだ占いで、7月はワタシは人に沢山助けられると書いてあったのを思い出す。
うーん、むちゃくちゃ当たってるじゃないか！

皆様、色々と助けてくださって本当にどうもありがとうございます。
そして、快くワタシに日程を下さった各お店のオーナーの皆様、
仕事を引き受けてくださったミュージシャンの皆様、
本当にどうもありがとうございます。
一生懸命、心を込めて歌わせて頂きますので、
10月は、宜しくお願い致します。

さて、今日のラウンジ。
どどりんと一緒なのですが、彼はもうすぐSomiさんとのアフリカ・ツアーなので
ほぼ一ヶ月、ラウンジをお留守にするのです。
だから、今日は思う存分、どどりんサウンドを満喫致したく、、、
っていうか、寂しいよー。えーん。

彼のお留守の間は、ギターの高免くんと、ベースの脇さんがお相手してくださいます。
不束者ですが、宜しくお願い致します。
そう！ベースとデュオの第二弾ですよ、8月12日は。
（第一弾は、確かLangan’sで今年に春にジョセフにお相手して頂きました。）

8月の月曜日はストレートに雅威さんを予定していますし、なかなか8月は賑やか。
個人的には、8月12日と、多分19日、2週連続で浴衣、着ちゃおうかな♪
なんて思ってます。うふ。
（もちろん脚は開きません、というか開けません、どう考えても！＞松岡さん）

問題なければ、19日の木曜は百々さん、脇さん、ワタシと3人で演奏できる予定です。
これは、延期になった百々徹の日（！）を期待していた皆様へのお詫び的意味合いで
ブッキング致しましたので、皆様、是非お誘い併せの上、ラウンジへお越しください。

はー、一気に書きましたよ、ええ、書きましたっ！！