Thanks to all who voted for me in the Boston Phoenix best music poll! Congratulations to Grace Kelly on her win; I’m honored to be first runner-up. Here I am at the awards party with Phoenix arts editor Jon Garelick.

Phoenix Best Music Poll: Yoko’s first nomination in the Boston Jazz category. Vote early and often!

Thanks to the Regattabar, the spirit of Sheila Jordan, and everyone who came out to Yoko’s debut there. And to Jessica Clements of JClements Photography for literally working every angle to get the shot.

All About Jazz writer Gordon Marshall said of the performance: “Yoko Miwa is a graceful and soulful pianist, with a Zen-like weightless precision she can just as soon turn to down-home, swinging blues. Disciplined and deep-feeling, she incorporates an intimate knowledge of the American jazz idiom into the confines of a studied approach which, for all that, is a sincerely artistic one.”

The show opened with brief video greetings from Ms. Jordan. Her recorded acapella chant then led into the trio’s first song. Janet of the Mass. Beat blog reported:

“The first song opened up with a hauntingly beautiful voice piped in through the speakers, soon joined by Miwa on the piano in perfect harmony. Soon, the band is in full swing right out of the gate, on the first song. Pretty impressive.

This petite, pretty Japanese woman looked so delicate as she entered the room and speaks so softly when she shares her stories, smiling demurely. But when she sits down at the piano, you realize she is no pushover. Her strength and agility pour through every song. She has full command of the instrument and her passion for playing is not hidden.”

Ms. Jordan is unable to attend Yoko’s show at the Regattabar on March 9, but she welcomed a visit from Yoko last month. Here’s a wonderful video of them performing together.

Yoko debuts at the Regattabar on March 9, 2011 at 7:30 pm with a concert inspired by jazz great Sheila Jordan in honor of Women’s History Month. We’ve gotten the word: at least 100 tickets to be sold for Yoko to be considered for a return engagement. If you’re planning on coming, PLEASE buy your tickets now!

Yoko takes her place in history as one of a select group of women instrumentalists that excel in the jazz world’s version of a triple threat: a commanding bandleader; writer of complex compositions; and a performer of virtuoso ability. Sheila Jordan, legendary vocalist and a living link to jazz great Charlie Parker, learned much of her craft from instrumentalists and is renowned for her generosity in passing on her wisdom. “She’s amazing and inspiring in her dedication to the music and the jazz life. I learn so much from her every time we talk. I’m so happy to play a show in her honor,” Yoko says. See her earlier post about Sheila Jordan here.

Ingrid Monson, Quincy Jones Professor of African American Music and Interim Dean of Arts and Humanities at Harvard University and herself a trumpet player, says, “Of course there are now opportunities for women in jazz. But it’s still rare to find a woman instrumentalist and composer who rises to prominence as a bandleader.” Come to see one of the best!

Thank you to Miles’ Cafe and to everyone who came out to our first gig in New York City! The city was so festive and so much was going on–we were very happy to be a part of it. We hope to be back soon!

We’re excited to be playing a gig in New York! Hope to see you there. It will be on Thursday, 12/9/10 at 7:30 pm at Miles’ Cafe, 212 E. 52nd St. 3Fl. (b/2nd & 3rd Ave.). You can help us by telling your New York friends to come see us. Thanks!!

Thank you very much to everyone who helped us to sell out Scullers again. It was a wonderful night full of great energy. We really appreciate all of you that pre-ordered the live CD from that night. We’re working on it and hope to have it to you shortly.

We also were honored to be part of WICN’s Brown Bag Concert Series at Mechanics Hall. Did you happen to catch it on the radio or on-line? Everyone there was wonderful and the hall was an acoustic joy–no mics needed for the bass and drums!

All Mechanics Hall photo credits: George Lloyd

I’m delighted to announce that we’ve been chosen to play WICN’s Brown Bag Concert Series at Mechanics Hall, Worcester on Wednesday, Nov 17 from noon to 1:00 pm.

If you’re in the Worcester area that day, please join us; beautiful Mechanics Hall is considered one of the best concert halls in the country and the concert is free. If you’re not able to get there you can still listen to us live at WICN 90.5 fm in New England and on-line here.

I enjoyed a WICN studio visit this week with one of our favorites, Joe Zupan (thanks, Joe!), and am very grateful to WICN for including me in this excellent series. Hope you listen in!

The trio will be recording for a “Live at Scullers” CD at the October 26 show. You can help determine the exact shape of the show.

Yoko says, “I’m excited about debuting a couple of new compositions of mine. And we’ll have some ideas about other tunes we want to include, but I depend on the energy of the audience to help me create the direction of the show. Recording a CD live has so many variables you can’t control, but if you’re in tune with your audience, the result captures a special feeling. That’s what we’re looking for.”

Don’t have tix yet? There are still some available here.

Come on, bring your good vibes, have a terrific time, and contribute to the success of the live CD!

Discounted ordering and free shipping of the live CD will be offered the night of the concert.