Soul Sistah

Rug Time, Osaka holds a special place in my heart among all the jazz bars of Kansai. As successor to the Don Shop, which was my favorite live music spot until it closed a few years ago, Rug Time has become my musical home away from home. You can find me there especially on Monday nights, when my favorite Kansai jazz trio, Atsuko Hashimoto (organ), Yutaka Hashimoto (guitar) and Larry Ransome (drums), set the place on fire.

Having performed at Rug Time on many occasions, I was not nervous on June 14th. But I was very excited, for it would be my first time to perform my original songs with my own band at my favorite jazz bar. Lots of friends turned up for the event, some of them persons I had not seen in many years, some of them former students from singing workshops. It was wonderful to see them and to reconnect. I was so touched by their genuine happiness for me - by their long and unswerving support of my musical career. To all the friends who came out that night - thank you, from my heart.

I also have to thank the fantastic musicians who played with me that night: band members, Tetsuro Aratama (bass), Shinsuke Shimatani (guitar), Larry Ransome (drums) and Susumu Muraji (steelpan). The band was ready, the instruments tuned, my songs were buzzing in my head and I was among friends, making music. I was blessed and on my way….

Filed under: Past Gigs（今までのライブ） by soulsistah