Shirasaki has been sharing her dramatic improvisational approach with listeners worldwide for the past 10 years, Falling Leaves—Live in Hamburg is her 4th album.
The CD has been recorded on October 17, 2009 at the Laeiszhalle Hamburg. The German Jazz Magazine Jazzthetik had this to say about her 2009 tour: “World class. Jazz improvisation at the highest level."
Liner Notes by Marc Myers who writes JazzWax.com, a daily blog that features interviews with jazz legends and commentary on legendary jazz recordings. He also writes on jazz for the Wall Street Journal.
“Ayako Shirasaki plays with the breeze in her hands, delivering sweeping interpretations with cunning confidence that would make Bud Powell proud."
The album features a mix of jazz classics as well as songs newly-written by Ayako:
1—Confirmation—Charlie Parker
2—In a sentimental mood—Duke Ellington
3—Airegin—Sonny Rollins
4—Mirror Mirror—Corea
Four Seasons Medley
5—Sakura Sakura—Japanese Traditional
6—Summertime—George Gershwin, Ira Gershwin
7—Falling Leaves—Ayako Shirasaki
8—Sleigh Ride—Leroy Anderson
9—Monkey Punch—Ayako Shirasaki
10—Far Away—Ayako Shirasaki
11—Nascimento—Barry Doyle Harris
Encore Request Medley 1
12—Moonglow—Irving Mills, W Hudson
13—My Romance—Richard Rodgers
Encore Request Medley 2
14—Take Five—Paul Desmond
15—St. Thomas—Sonny Rollins
Listen to audio samples available now on amazon.com.
Radio add date: September 7, 2010
Newsletter subscribers have the chance to win 1 out of 3 CD's. So if you haven't done so yet, subscribe to Ayako's free newsletter at ayakoshirasaki.com to be among the winners. Regardless where in the world you are, free shipping is included. Winners will be drawn and announced in the newsletter on September 7, 2010.
September 15th, 2010, NY, USA—Smalls Jazz Club
CD release party for Falling Leaves—Live in Hamburg
For more information contact Jan Matthies Music Management.
