Cherry blossoms or sakura. Photo by Erin Halvey

Tuesday’s performance at the Regattabar was a huge success!  We’ve received great feedback from audience members on our Facebook page, and our take on the traditional Japanese piece, Sakura, seemed to be very popular.

With that said, we’d like to thank the following for their support not only of this performance but of our work overall:

Regattabar, Brenda Prescott, Fred Taylor, Eric Jackson, Ann Braithwaite, Bob Blumenthal, Jon Garelick, Joe Zupan, Erin Halvey, Lauren Muscarella, Helen Feng, Anri Toda, Martin Hanley, Greg Loughman, Scott Goulding, Arthur Dahl, George Beale, Japanese Association of Greater Boston, The Japan Society of Boston, Scullers Jazz Club, Berklee College of Music, Ryles Jazz Club, Les Zygomates, Stellina, Mount Auburn Club

You have all been so instrumental, if you’ll pardon the pun, in leading us to where we are today.  A deep, heartfelt thank you to you all!

OCTOBER 17 RELEASE DATE

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. . .

Thank you very much to everyone who helped us to sell out Scullers again. It was a wonderful night full of great energy. We really appreciate all of you that pre-ordered the live CD from that night. We’re working on it and hope to have it to you shortly.

We also were honored to be part of WICN’s Brown Bag Concert Series at Mechanics Hall. Did you happen to catch it on the radio or on-line? Everyone there was wonderful and the hall was an acoustic joy–no mics needed for the bass and drums!

All Mechanics Hall photo credits: George Lloyd

The trio will be recording for a “Live at Scullers” CD at the October 26 show. You can help determine the exact shape of the show.

Yoko says, “I’m excited about debuting a couple of new compositions of mine. And we’ll have some ideas about other tunes we want to include, but I depend on the energy of the audience to help me create the direction of the show. Recording a CD live has so many variables you can’t control, but if you’re in tune with your audience, the result captures a special feeling. That’s what we’re looking for.”

Don’t have tix yet? There are still some available here.

Come on, bring your good vibes, have a terrific time, and contribute to the success of the live CD!

Discounted ordering and free shipping of the live CD will be offered the night of the concert.

Have you bought tickets yet to Yoko’s show at Scullers on October 26? No? No sense in waiting.

Go here for tickets. You can also make a reservation for dinner.

You’ll have a great time and hear some amazing live music. Just watch a preview from last year’s show. . .

You can see more by clicking on “Videos” in the menu at the top of the page. Enjoy!