The Kitano Hosts CD Release Show For Taeko's 'Voice', 6/16

On June 16, The Kitano is holding a CD release show for Taeko's latest CD 'Voice.' There will be performances at 8pm (sold out) and 10pm. The Kitano is located at 66 Park Avenue at 38th Street in New York City. Reservations are recommended. To find out more information call (212) 885-7119 or email Jazz@Kitano.com. There is no cover at the door, but there is a $15 food and drink minimum. The band is made up of Taeko (vocals), Lou Rainone (piano), Gaku Takanashi (bass), and Doug Richardson (drums).

Taeko's latest CD, 'Voice', is a collection of songs from some very different sources that she treats with the same skillful execution. Taeko Fukao, a native of Japan, has acquired the command of her instrument, her voice, and applied it to the genre of jazz in a way that is both technically significant and entertaining. Her handling of the intricacies of the jazz genre has a clear sense of remarkable talent honed by a recognizable work ethic.

Under the coaching of Juanita Fleming, Taeko has evolved in her jazz voice and has taken on some interesting projects on 'Voice', including a lyric written by Fleming for Herbie Hancock's familiar tune, "Cantaloupe Island." Taeko puts together a set list that includes the works of Marvin Gaye, "Inner City Blues," Wayne Shorter's "Infant Eyes," and Stanley Turrentine's "Sugar." Then mixes it up a bit with titles such as "Spring Nocturne," an original by the singer, and "Biwako," a traditional Japanese folk song that was a hit in Japan in the 1940's.

Taeko's approach to each of these songs is different, but consistent in each of them is the attention to execution, the precision and skilled management of her instrument is coupled with a playful and emotional coloring that conveys a shear joy with the work.