The ANA Matsuri Main Stage at Japan Festival Houston brought about a happi coat-clad reunion for East West Jazz.
Founded by now Houston-based Reiko Obata in 2005, the group is a blend of artists, talent, and cultures. With the unique instrumental combination of Japanese koto and Western instruments, East West offers a fresh, dynamic sound that is a new take on jazz standards, traditional melodies and original compositions.
Koto performer Reiko OBATA is at home in both traditional and jazz arenas. With master's degrees from the Seiha Conservatory of Japanese Music and San Diego State University, her music has beoen featured in TV, film and live theatre. Obata has produced several CDs of her own compositions andarrangements.
San Diego-based Jimmy PATTON is renowned for his ability to play two guitars simultaneously. He won the title of "Best Unsigned Guitarist" in the 2001 national Guitarmageddon competition. Patton has also shared the stage with Grammy award winner Stanley Jordan and Laurence Juber of Paul McCartney's "Wings."
Russell BIZZETT, also of San Diego, is known for his creativity and his sensitivity to balance. He has toured with Chuck Berry, Muddy Waters, Jose Feliciano and Freddy Hubbard. He has recorded for the Laverne & Shirley Show and the Merv Griffin Show. Bizzett has also performed with the Boston Pops and the Berlin Pops.
East West’s self-titled CD has been played on jazz stations in the U.S. and internationally, including Japan, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the UK, and the Netherlands!
The group’s Japan Festival appearance was made even more special by multitalented guest artist Annelle Kazumi Gregory on bass.
-Images courtesy of night.sky.creative