Yoko Miwa: Canopy of Stars (2005)

Dan McClenaghan

Senior Contributor since 2002

A lover of sounds, and the way they fit together.

Recent articles (793 total)

Published: December 22, 2007

Japanese-born, Boston-based pianist Yoko Miwa follows up her 2004 release, Fadeless Flower (Polystar Records) with A Canopy of Stars, building on her crisply incisive percussive approach that bubbles with warm melodies and an array of colors, whether on the bright Brazilian-flavored opener, "La Estacion," or the melancholic, dark-hued "Solitude," which features bassist Bronek Suchenek bowing the melody. Miwa takes the same tune and remakes it into a tango—handling the melody herself—on "Tango Soledad."

Miwas's more abstract side is displayed on "Appalachian Trail (North)," with a churning, Brad Mehldau flavor, and its sister tune, "Appalachian Trail (South)," that feels a bit more propulsive.

"Canopy of Stars" projects an expansive atmosphere. While "Borders" features one of Miwa's prettiest melodies, her piano work underlain by a sizzling, insistent bass/drum rhythm, Miwa's keyboard work dances with effusive energy.

"Waltz for Willie" adds a contemplative mood to the musical proceedings, as does "Behind the Clouds," while "Silver Screen" projects an expansiveness similar to that expressed by the title tune.

Miwa writes attractive melodies and plays with a mixture of delicate grace and percussive energy. Canopy of Stars, her third CD release, shows an artist who is clearly coming into her own.

Track Listing: La Estacion; Canopy of Stars; Solitude; Borders; Waltz for Willie; Tango Soledad; Appalacian Trail (North); Behind the Clouds; Secret Sources; The Silver Screen; Appalachian Trail (South).

Personnel: Yoko Miwa: piano; Massimo Biolcari: acoustic bass; Scott Goulding: drums; Bronek Suchanek: acoustic bass (3, 4).

Record Label: Self Produced
Style: Straight-ahead/Mainstream

Shop for jazz:

Yoko Miwa Related

View more Yoko Miwa photos | Upload Yoko Miwa photos

Date	Venue	Tickets
May25	Les Zygomates Boston, MA
May26	Ryles Jazz Club Cambridge, MA
May28	Les Zygomates Boston, MA
Jun01	Les Zygomates Boston, MA
Jun08	Les Zygomates Boston, MA
Jun09	Ryles Jazz Club Cambridge, MA
Jun11	Les Zygomates Boston, MA
Jun15	Les Zygomates Boston, MA
Jun22	Les Zygomates Boston, MA
Jun23	Ryles Jazz Club Cambridge, MA
Jun25	Les Zygomates Boston, MA
Jun29	Les Zygomates Boston, MA
Nov20	Scullers Jazz Club Boston, MA