OCTOBER 17 RELEASE DATE

I found out that I’m the second Japanese female in the history of Berklee to teach on the piano faculty, the first was Toshiko Akiyoshi – I was surprised to find out many did not know her! Here she is in 1958, wow! If you didn’t know…she was a big fan of Bud Powell.

We’re very excited! Yoko is set to release her fifth CD, Live at Scullers Jazz Club on October 17. The eight songs were recorded at last year’s sold-out Scullers show. It includes three originals, including the popular “Mr. B.G.,” Yoko’s tribute to piano great Benny Green. She first made just 100 copies of the show’s recording, mostly as a memento for audience members, but got such a positive response (including regular play on WGBH–thanks Eric!) that the recording was re-mixed and mastered for a full release.

Scott Albin’s review of the Live CD on the JazzTimes Community site says, “She has the enviable ability to play in any context with authenticity, clarity, and spontaneity…” See more coverage here.

Yoko’s trio will return to Scullers in Boston on Thursday, November 17, for a CD release party. “Of course we want to go back there to celebrate,” she says. “You should be there too!”

If you’re in New York, come out to the CD release party on Friday, October 21 at Somethin’ Jazz Club (formerly Miles’ Jazz Cafe).

Stay tuned for more developments. . .

Backstage with Marian McPartland and Friends at Dizzy's

September 19, 2011 (click on a photo to enlarge)

Meeting and listening to the improvisations of the legendary Marian McPartland (93 years old). Seeing her sit across from her portrait in the famous Harlem 1958 photo by Art Kane (she was one of the very few women in the picture). This was a precious, extraordinary experience.

Then to share sets with Ms. McPartland and other luminaries and rising stars. Kenny Barron, Mulgrew Miller, Bill Charlap, Larry Willis, Dado Moroni, Jon Weber, Ted Rosenthal, Helen Sung, Aaron Diehl, Adam Birnbaum, Christian Sands, Grace Kelly, and more. It was three lifetimes worth of knowledge and experience and energy crammed into one evening. A Monday evening at that.

All thanks to Todd Barkan, Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola, and Jazz at Lincoln Center.

Yoko will be part of the Coca-Cola Generations in Jazz Festival as the legendary Marian McPartland tapes her long-running public radio show “Piano Jazz.” Join them and other surprise guests on Monday, September 19, at Dizzy’s Club Coca Cola at Lincoln Center. More info here.

Marian McPartland and Friends at Dizzy's

Check out this wonderful post by one of our favorite authors, Anne Briting Oleson:

Thanks to the Regattabar and to everyone who came out to the last week. What a great audience! Here’s a few seconds of the song we dedicated to Eric Jackson. So good to hear him back on the air.

Yoko Miwa is returning to the Regattabar after her nearly sold-out debut show in March. Come on out–it’s an early show. You’ll be tucked into bed before you know it. Buy your tickets NOW.

Thanks to all who voted for me in the Boston Phoenix best music poll! Congratulations to Grace Kelly on her win; I’m honored to be first runner-up. Here I am at the awards party with Phoenix arts editor Jon Garelick.

Phoenix Best Music Poll: Yoko’s first nomination in the Boston Jazz category. Vote early and often!