I can say without hesitation she is one of the most gifted jazz singers of this era.
Tim Price, Faculty at the New School
Her 4th Release in the U.S.
Taeko: Vocals
Theo Hill: Piano
Francois Moutin: Bass
Victor Jones: Drums
Guest: Sumie Kaneko: Koto
Internationally-acclaimed jazz songstress from Japan, Takeko releases her 4th album in the U.S. as a leader on October 10, 2019 entitled Contemplation (Flat Nine Records).
In Taeko's own words (pronounced Tie-Koe):
This album shows my true love and dedication to the African-American classical art form called jazz, as a singer who came from Japan where this music is truly loved." With a never-ending stream of musical ideas and fluidity of delivery that shows years of studying her craft, Taeko has built a distinctively unique approach to jazz in addition to mastering the traditional vocal and instrumental aspects. This album features songs written by the beloved jazz greats such as Cedar Walton, Mal Waldron, Billie Holiday, Chick Corea, Bill Evans, and Benny Golson, with Taeko's unique point of view and arrangement.
The album's title track, McCoy Tyner's Contemplation", continues Taeko's exploration of the Doug Carn songbook, her latest interpretation of the keyboardist/composer's lyrics, following her successful previous recordings of his words to Wayne Shorter's Infant Eyes", Bobby Hutcherson's Little B's Poem" and Bill Evans's Blue In Green". Taeko's arrangement of the song adds Sumie Kaneko's koto (Japanese 13-string harp) to the group, giving the pensive piece a distinctive Eastern tinged meditative flavor.
Tracks
- Ugetsu: Fantasy
- Left Alone
- Contemplation
- Gracious
- Hamabe-No-Uta
- The Song Is You
- Betcha By Golly, Wow
- Waltz For Debby
- The Sun Died
- High Wire
- I Remember Clifford
Upcoming Performances
September 27th
The 75 Club75 Murray Street
New York, NY 10007
212-406-7575
October 10th
Birdland Jazz Club- Album Release Performance315 West 44th St
New York, NY 10036
212-581-3080
About Taeko
Taeko moved to New York City from Shiga, Japan in the late 90's and quickly garnered the nickname Songbird" from the NYC jazz elite. With a stunning four octave range, she sings with deep soulfulness reminiscent of Anita Baker with sophisticated scatting a la Ella" as jazz critics have described.With a never ending stream of musical ideas and a fluid delivery that shows years of dedication in studying her craft, little is left to doubt how Taeko has built a dedicated fan base in both the U.S. and overseas. Growing up in Japan, she was inspired early on by the traditional Japanese music her father and grandfather sang, and has been singing as long as she can remember. Taeko's interest in American music was piqued while still a young child. In her formative musical years she counts traditional jazz, modern American music, and Eastern music among her influences in shaping her contemporary vocal style.
Release Date: October 10, 2019
For more information contact Scott Thompson Public Relations.