Soul Sistah

１０月１２日（日）
おかやまJAZZフェスティバルのフィナーレ
October 12th (Sunday)
Okayama Jazz Festival Finale
ロブ・ベニオン (Rob Bennion) (Sax)
アリシア・サルデニャ (Alicia Saldenha) (Vocals)
飯田一樹 (Iida Kazuki) (Piano)
笠松としや (Kasamatsu Toshiya) (Bass)

http://www.ojf.gr.jp
http://www.robbennion.com

 

When the very talented saxophonist, Rob Bennion, contacted me and invited me to perform with him at the Okayama Jazz Festival, I was so honored, happy and excited. The festival took place on October 12th. Rob and his wife arrived in Japan from Utah the day before and he played with my band that night at Wazz in Shin-Osaka.

Thanks to all the friends who came out that night❣
遊びに来た友達、ありがとう❣❣

We left the next morning for Okayama. The gang included Larry Marshall (drums), Toshiya Kasamatsu (bass) and Kazuki Iida (keys). The sound check was quite early, so we had time to explore a little, do some shopping, and also to do some interviews!

I had a great day chatting with Rob and Larry about music, bands, my upcoming CD project and comparing the music scenes in the U.S. and in Japan. Larry Marshall, who is an amazing drummer, is also from the United States. He and Rob had fun reminiscing. It was also good to see Rob getting to know the Japanese musicians on the gig, Kazuki Iida and Toshiya Kasamatsu.

Iida San is my old and dear friend. When I first came to Osaka he took me under his wing, helped me with my music charts, gave me lots of advice and encouragement. We did many jazz concerts together. So it was wonderful to play with him again. He is not only an excellent pianist, but a great producer and songwriter as well. You can listen to his music on MySpace. Toshiya is a gem of a bassist. Not only is he talented, but he is very expressive, and really enjoys playing. His fun is infectious.

There was actually time for a nap before the gig! But I was not prepared for the cold. Alas, my beautiful but very bare red dress had to stay in the case, and I wrapped up as much as possible for the outdoor show. Once I got on stage, though, there was nothing but warmth from the audience and fire from the musicians. I had a wonderful time. It was a joy playing with Rob, Iida, Toshiya and Larry.

At the end of the night we met some lovely people who attended the show. I would like to perform in Okayama again. Then it was time, sadly, to say our goodbyes. Hopefully this won’t be the last time we all meet or make music together.

You can read Rob’s blog about the festival here and the Japanese report （日本語で書いているのブログ）here.

よろしくお願いします❤
Thank you❣

Soul Sistah

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