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Jazzfest Berlin '09: Japanese Pianist Junko Onishi Replaces Robert Glasper

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Junko Onishi
Japanese Pianist Junko Onishi replaces Robert Glasper: Robert Glasper forced to cancel his JazzFest Berlin '09 concert on short notice

Blue Note pianist Robert Glasper has been obliged to cancel his concert at JazzFest Berlin '09 on short notice. Substituting for him is pianist Junko Onishi (Blue Note Japan), who will perform with bassist Ugonna Okegwo and drummer Gene Jackson on November 6th at 5:30 p.m. at the Glass Courtyard of Jewish Museum Berlin. Her most recent Musical Moments was released in July of this year a couple of weeks after this years festivalprogramme deadline. The album has been celebrated as a comeback for Onishi, whose last CD came out 10 years ago (Fragile, Blue Note 1999). By chance a special “Berlin-tinged" aspect is added to her album and performance which centers around compositions of reedplayer Eric Dolphy who died in Berlin (1964) under tragical circumstances.

Born in Kyoto in 1967, Junko Onishi learned to play the piano and soon developed an interest in jazz. After continuing her piano studies for three years at Berklee (Boston), she moved to New York City, where she was taken up enthusiastically by the jazz scene, and where she worked together with Joe Henderson, Betty Carter, Kenny Garrett, and the Mingus Dynasty, among others. Junko Onishi has also collaborated with Jackie McLean, Holly Cole, Billy Higgins, and Joe Lovano. She cites Duke Ellington, Thelonious Monk, and Ornette Coleman among her main influences.

Tickets remain valid or can be returned until November 5th, only at locations where tickets were purchased or picked up.

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