Since arriving in New York in 2010 from her homeland of Japan, pianist Miki Yamanaka wasted no time making her life part of the scene; a Masters degree from Queens College, playing with saxophonist Antonio Hart, trumpeter Philip Harper, and the Mingus Big Band, and becoming a regular feature at NYC Clubs Smalls and Mezzrow, while developing a working trio with bassist Jerome Allen II and drummer (and husband) Jimmy McBride.
The threesome is featured here on Miki's new release, Breathe, with the additional fire of saxophonist Nicole Glover alongside. There's some indigo blue, salutes to bassist Ben Wolfe and pianist James Williams, and a remembrance of her good friend, the late organist Akiko Tsuruga.
When one has the luxury of a working trio, the synergy can take their music to new and exciting places.
Hear a track from Breathe each weekday morning @ 8:20AM, another feature made possible for you by the members of WBGO!
Mon-"Indigo"
Tues-"Wolfe"
Wed-"James Williams"
Thurs-"Dancing Cats"
Fri-"Pre School"
