yanokami
15 Mar 08, Sat Recital Studio $38
featuring Akiko Yano and Rei Harakami
Japan
"Akiko Yano is a world class songwriter with a clear, gentle, wide-ranging voice... an accomplished, endearing performer who might be a Japanese Carole King, Joni Mitchell or Meredith Monk." - New York Times
The impressive discography of "Japan's Kate Bush", maker of "Sesame Street music", "the most famous person you've never heard of" - pianist, singer and composer, Akiko Yano - dates back to 1976 when, as a top studio keyboardist at 21, she recorded her first album, Japanese Girl.
She then began collaborating with YMO, joining them on their worldwide tours, and composed music for Studio Ghibli's animation features. She also moved to New York, released 26 albums, performed at concerts such as Montreux Jazz Festival and Fuji Rock Festival, and worked with leading musicians including Pat Metheny and The Chieftains.
Kyoto-based electronic musician Rei Harakami, once dubbed the "Aphex Twin from the land of the rising sun", mixes with a Hard Disc recorder. A sought after producer and collaborator for artists such as UA and Coldcut, he has released acclaimed albums and wowed audiences at international festivals such as Weimar Jazz Festival, Fuji Rock Festival and Sonar 2005.
In 2003, the two began collaborating on a project they named "yanokami". The result - a happy electronic mélange of moody new wave, fusion, jazz balladry, pop and folk - has gotten rave reviews since its release in August 2007.
Recital Studio
7.30pm, 9.30pm (60mins, no intermission)
$38
Limited concessions for students, NSF & senior citizens: $25