Maiko Hata

I love jazz because...singing jazz brings the row emotions and feelings in me. Also sharing it with audience give me a sensation of the non verbal communication that are stronger than what I can express with words. Jazz is also a creative expression appear and disappear in a moment. I was first exposed to jazz... when my dad set up jazz FM station as my alarm clock in teen years. First it was annoying but then later it became my second nature to deeply listen to them. I met [musician name]...Mari Shinonome (Japan)who learned and lived with Evelyn Blakey, Teri Roiger, and Jay Clayton as significant singers during earlier years of my singing career in upstate NY. After I start singing out more I was lucky to meet so many Jazz legends and greats. I had opportunity to open for The Cookers, Aaron Parks, David Weiss's band at Falcon, NY. After the first opening for The Cookers I was asked to be part of Billy Harper's Jazz Vocal group and we met weekly for practice. I have met so many great musicians based in NYC during the time because I was ambitious to check live music in town. I also met great Bobby McFerrin and his circle singing group when I got a scholarship to attend his workshop in Omega Institute, Rhinebeck NY. I cried everyday when I sang with singers from all over the world during the workshop. Bobby has such a powerful presence like wise elder in the old village. The best show I ever attended was...wow there are so many. I think Roy Haynes show and his energy was something I will always remember. I also got to hear Buena Vista Social Club in Kingston, NY and their music was so great. The first jazz record I bought was...Miles Davis Kind of Blue My advice to new listeners...keep checking out live shows and listen to them eye closed. Great music makes body moves and gives fills heart with feelings. That is the kind of music I want to sing, too.