A New York pianist I’d been hearing about for years was coming to Tokyo for a tour, and somehow I ended up as the bassist for one of her Japan dates.
Playing with someone at that level isn’t something that happens every day — so let me tell you a bit about who she is.
Contents
About Kayo Hiraki
From her official profile:
Steinway Artist. Grammy Award voting member. Has been captivated by the New York jazz scene since 1988. House pianist at the legendary Greenwich Village club Arturo’s for over 24 years. Has led her own band at Blue Note New York and other prominent venues. Recently released her 6th album, Manhattan Sunset.
Blue Note New York. Grammy voting member. 24 years as a house pianist in Greenwich Village. That’s not a bio — that’s a career.
Meanwhile, my own credentials could be summarized in three words: former punk rocker.
That contrast was a little funny to sit with before the show. But regardless of where each of us came from, a performance like this — playing alongside someone with that kind of musical history — doesn’t come along often. I wanted to give it everything.
Collaborating with musicians who are operating at a high level has a way of raising your own game. The expectation level is different, the listening is sharper, and the communication happens faster. You find yourself playing things you didn’t know you could.
If you ever get the chance to perform alongside someone more experienced than you — take it.
Want Personalized Feedback on Your Playing?
This is exactly the kind of thing that’s hard to fix alone — and where having a teacher makes all the difference.
At Line on Bass, I offer an online lesson service where you send me a video of your playing, and I give you specific, detailed feedback — every single day if you want.
Students from around the world are using this to fix exactly these kinds of issues and steadily improve their jazz bass skills.