Jazz Articles about The Miyumi Project

The Miyumi Project: re: Rooted

by Jim Santella
July 5, 2007

Double bassist Tatsu Aoki leads this avant-garde ensemble in a program of creative improvised music that reflects the roots of Asian/American jazz. The instrumental timbres that he's chosen to augment this saxophone and percussion ensemble provide distinctive colors. Aoki's big, booming bass leads the way while huge taiko drums manage the session's rhythmic foundation.

The use of violin and shinobue (a Japanese flute) reaches back into tradition to instill a unique flavor. Thus, modern jazz receives an influx ...

The Miyumi Project Big Band: Rooted: Origins Of Now

by Jim Santella
June 1, 2002

Ceremonial drums open the session. Tatsu Aoki wrote the music to chronicle the changes that take place in the life of an Asian immigrant to the United States. At first, only traditional methods will suffice. Everything must be as it was back home. In time, the family begins to grow, social horizons expand, and foreign staples begin to make their way into your household. The next thing you know, the kids are eating pizza and hot dogs, and they can't ...