Summer 2012

Here's a little update on my comings and goings this summer.


Orquesta Libre have a busy time lined up. From June 20-22 we are in residence at Shinjuku Pit Inn, with three very different sets. On the 20th we are joined by singer and guitarist Yanagihara Yoichiro. On the 21st, we will perform with singer and guitarist Ohata Yuichi, and on the 22nd we will play a tribute to Duke Ellington, with pianist Suga Dairo and tap dancers Ron x II.
On July 4th, Orquesta Libre will release two debut albums! A 2 disc set named「うたのかたち」"The Song's Shape" featuring Messrs. Yanagihara and Ohata, and the instrumental album "Can't Help Falling In Love".


Orquesta Libre are:
芳垣安洋Yasuhiro Yoshigaki(ds,arr)
青木タイセイTaisei Aoki(tb,pianica,arr)
塩谷博之Hiroyuki Shiotani(ss,cl)
藤原大輔Daisuke Fujiwara(ts)
渡辺隆雄Takao Watanabe(tp)
ギデオン・ジュークスGideon Juckes(tuba)
高良久美子Kumiko Takara(vib.pianica)
鈴木正人Masato Suzuki(b,arr)
椎谷求Motomu Shiiya(g,steel-g)
岡部洋一Yoichi Okabe(perc)


Then in mid-July we're off on a whistle stop tour of Europe for two weeks. I'll be posting full details as soon as they emerge, but it's looking very exciting.


When we get back, I'll be playing at Fuji Rock on July 29th. It's my first time, and I'm performing in two different groups! Orquesta Libre and Shibusashirazu Orchestra. It's also funny that all the members of Nerima Tea Club will be there performing on that day, just in different bands!
Time Out Tokyo questioned wether this was the most boring Fuji Rock line-up yet, but taking a quick look at the lineup for the day I'm there, I see that Jack White, Radiohead and At The Drive In are playing, so I'd be prone to disagree!


Then in August Shibusa will be playing at Toyama Hotfield Festival. Looking forward to visiting that area for the first time, and checking out the excellent local food and drink.


That's how it's looking so far, I'll post any updates. Hope to see you there!
Keep takin' her easy!
Gid