The Jazz Gallery Presents: Miki Yamanaka

Photo by Martina Da Silva

This Friday, The Jazz Gallery finishes its summer season with a performance by pianist Miki Yamanaka. In addition to keeping up her regular Miki’s Mood livestreams, Yamanaka is preparing to release her next record Chance, this October.

Recorded at the famed Rudy Van Gelder studio in Englewood Cliffs, the album is a tribute to some of Yamanaka’s musical heroes, including pianist George Cables and vibraphonist Bobby Hutcherson. You can check out Yamanaka’s version of Hutcherson’s composition “Herzog,” the new record’s lead single, below.

For her performance at the Gallery, Yamanaka has assembled a quintet to perform new original music. She writes that much of the music is inspired by colors, so it makes sense that it will feature the brightness of Steve Nelson’s vibraphone. Saxophonist Anthony Oriji has arrived from Iowa for the hit, while the low end will be held down by bassist Kiyoshi Kitagawa and drummer Jimmy Macbride.

The Miki Yamanaka Quartet plays The Jazz Gallery on Friday, August 16, 2024. The group features Ms. Yamanaka on piano, Anthony Oriji on saxophone, Kiyoshi Kitagawa on bass, Jimmy Macbride on drums, and special guest Steve Nelson on vibraphone. Sets are at 7:30 and 9:30 P.M. E.D.T. $25 general admisssion ($15 for members), $35 reserved cabaret seating ($20 for members), $20 livestream access ($5 for members), FREE for SummerPass holders, for each set. Purchase tickets here.