Hiromi Trio Project - bay area alert

nostatic · nostatic's Garage

Yesterday I dragged the boy along with me and drove 7 hours up to Santa Cruz to see the Hiromi Trio Project. The boy made it through the first show, then I dropped him off at the motel and went back for the second show. First set was great, second was mind blowing. Talked with her briefly afterwards, and also with Simon Phillips (who I'd seen in 1980 playing with Jeff Beck on the There and Back tour).

They play Yoshi's in Oakland tonight through Sunday. If you are within a day's drive (and if it isn't sold out), make the trip. Seriously. Very special treat to see this kind of talent up close and personal.

My view last night:

I always feel weird asking for photos and almost never do, but I made an exception. Bought a copy of the CD (which I already own in digital form) and both she and Simon signed it (Anthony was busy).

An audience video from a previous show (Sony has forced youtube to pull most all of the video clips out there)

This has some comments from Simon and Anthony, then a version of the title track of the album (which they opened the second set with last night). Chills.

syncroid · 04-05-2012, 04:42 PM

Very cool Todd. Where was the venue in Santa Cruz? Thats my wife's stomping grounds. (born and raised there) Kuumbwa jazz center perhaps?

nostatic · nostatic's Garage

Yeah, Kuumbwa. The 7pm show was sold out, and the 9pm was close to sold out. The place only holds 200 max. Great sound and an intimate setting. Seems that there is a small but strong jazz fan base in Santa Cruz.

syncroid · 04-05-2012, 05:29 PM

LOL! My wife is sitting here saying "Can I call em or what?" Glad you had a good time. You should hit Manuel's on your way out of town if'n you're still around. (They are in Aptos) Glad you had a good time in Santa Cruz.

jwasbury · 04-05-2012, 06:56 PM

Cool.

I saw this show when they played the Blue Note in NYC several months back. Hiromi is very entertaining to watch and listen to...Anthony Jackson is a legend.

9dreizig · 04-05-2012, 07:09 PM

His bass is much bigger than yours Todd ;-)
Hey when are you playing Santa Cruz ? This month right?

nostatic · nostatic's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by 9dreizig

His bass is much bigger than yours Todd ;-)
Hey when are you playing Santa Cruz ? This month right?

Yeah, that is the famed "AJ Presentation" contrabass guitar (they cost about $20K). Too big for me. The 36" scale would leave my hands screaming.

Nothing up in Santa Cruz yet. I have inquired about Kuumbwa but tough to get in. I'd like to book a couple of gigs up in the bay area this summer, but logistics (and costs) are a pita. I need to finish the album first so we have something to sell and hopefully cover travel.

304065 · 04-23-2012, 03:57 PM

You had me at SEVEN HOURS. Anyone who inspires travel like that, is worth checking out in the Jazz world. I see I just missed their show at BB King's down on 42nd Street. She is back for a solo gig at the UNSESCO International Jazz Day on April 30th. In auspicious company for sure, Herbie Hancock is the Ambassador of Jazz.