Ryu Miho's "Woman in Jazz♡"

JAPAN TOUR (Motion Blue Yokohama) of "GG", a trio of female jazz musicians active in the world

Well, since this is the first time we've interviewed a gorgeous female musician. The JAPAN TOUR of "GG", a trio of female jazz musicians active all over the world, was held at Motion Blue Yokohama on Friday, April 21st. The leader is Misty's pianist Takana. Also, bassist Noriko Ueda from New York and drummer Masumi Jones from Texas. I also had the honor of making a guest appearance!

It has been 20 years since all three members of GG performed in Japan.
This is an interview about GG's thoughts on jazz and his impressions of this live show.

--Please tell us about how GG was formed.

Miyamoto: We met in Boston in 1995. The three of us entered Berklee College of Music at about the same time, and I enrolled in film scoring (film music department), but before I knew it, I also started playing jazz. After hearing the performance of drummer Masumi Jones from Hiroshima, who met at music college, and bassist Noriko Ueda from Hyogo, they were moved and hit it off, so they decided to try something as a trio and started working together. They became a popular band in Boston and recorded their first album, Piece of Cake, which was released in 1997 and toured Japan.

--What does GG think of jazz? ?

Ueda: Because I have freedom, I can express myself there.
All: (agreed)
Miyamoto: Everyone has their own sense of sound and rhythm, and they bring their own cultures to the table, so we can improvise and collaborate together. I think it's a wonderful art form that allows us to create sounds together, like Champon Nabe (lol), even when we meet for the first time and don't speak the same language.
Ueda: How it tastes depends on the ingredients and what you put in it. It's easy to say if you compare it to cooking (lol)

--You are active both in Japan and overseas, are there any differences in the audience?

Jones: People in America start dancing. There are people who will start dancing as long as there is music they can dance to and a space.
Miyamoto: There are even professional dancers who come to listen. They started dancing around and around and it was really good.
Jones: That's right, everyone is looking at that (lol). Many Japanese customers are looking at it seriously.
Miyamoto: Japan has a lot of respect for music, so they listen quietly and seriously. I would be happy if you could dance with me. (lol)

--This is the first time in 20 years that the three of you are doing the GG Japan Tour, so how was it after the second day of the Motion Blue Yokohama concert? Did you remember the session with the three of you directly?

Miyamoto: I was moved by the sense of unity between the three of us, which has remained the same no matter how many years have passed. Each song was incredibly emotional.
Planning the after party was also fun. Miho-chan is too strong in rock-paper-scissors tournament! (lol)
Jones: It's surprising and strange that it's in Japan. But it was a lot of fun.

--How did you like the GG collaboration with tonight's guest vocalist, Ryu Miho?

Miyamoto: Miho-chan and Masumi-chan's relationship was so interesting (lol) that I couldn't believe it was their first meeting.
Jones: lol
Ueda: Miho-chan has a great sense of transparency, so her purity was overflowing from the moment she entered the room. That's why I think it speaks directly to my heart.
Miyamoto: It was really wonderful to see Miho singing with her heart fully open.
Ryu: Thank you!

--Finally, please give a message to our female readers! How can it be easier for women to go to jazz clubs?

Miyamoto: There are a lot of good-looking guys at jazz clubs these days (lol)
Jones: Really? (lol)
Miyamoto: That's true. (wink) But recently, the number of young female customers has been increasing significantly. There are people who know a lot about things. I often perform with male artists, and many of them come from far away. I'm happy.
Jones: Also, there are more male musicians in jazz.
Miyamoto: That's why I'd be happy if women came to the venue.
Ueda: As GG, I'm happy that women listen to it and empathize with it.
All: That's right! !

How was it. 1st “Woman in Jazz”
In Japan, I had the opportunity to have a valuable interview with GG, a female jazz trio active in the global jazz scene.
The performance began gently, as if the women were having a conversation, and there were many beautiful and passionate scenes.
Also, on this day, Takana's long-time music partner, Japan's only vocalist and flugelhorn player TOKU, came to visit, and at the end, he jumped in for the encore song ``Ue o Muite Arukou'', creating a luxurious session. became!
Jazz can do anything! It was also the moment when I realized that.
I think the precious performance by the three of them at the stylish Motion Blue Yokohama was an unforgettable live for the audience.

We would like to continue to passionately deliver to everyone who is reading what kind of jazz live performances are being held in Kanagawa every day, as well as the voices of currently active musicians.
Please continue to look forward to it! !

Ryu Miho

(reference)
[GG] In 1995, Takana Miyamoto (p), Noriko Ueda (b), and Masumi Jones (d), who met in Boston, USA, formed the jazz trio [GG] and released their 1st album [Piece of Cake], which was released in the U.S. TV debut on broadcast BET. Based in New York, they performed at festivals all over the United States, but stopped their activities due to the transfer of members. They reunited in 2015 and released their long-awaited 2nd album [Ruby Road]. Original members Noriko Ueda (NYC) and Masumi Jones (Texas), who continue to be active in the United States, have come to Japan, and the first domestic tour to release the album has finally come to fruition. Diva Ryu Miho will be a guest at the Mito and Yokohama performances.
https://www.facebook.com/ggjazztrio/
CD [Ruby Road]
http://www.jazzybeatrecords.com/items/item.html?product_id=34