Listen to this week’s playlist on YouTube and Spotify
Grammy-winning vocalist, pianist, and songwriter Nicole Zuraitis shows she is a one-of-a-kind artist with the release of her first concert album, “Live at Vic’s Las Vegas,” recorded at the eponymous club, and just nominated for another Grammy Award. In the span of a two-hour show, Zuraitis delivers a masterful performance that reflects the full scope her artistry and makes clear why she stands out in today’s musical landscape.
Born on Japan’s main island, Michika Fukumori began playing piano at the age of three and, within the next three years, was composing and playing her own music. She would go on to study with renowned Japanese pianist Colgen Suzuki and begin working professionally at a wide variety of jazz clubs in and around Tokyo. In 2000, Michiki moved to the states and studied with Ron Carter, Geri Allen and Steve Kuhn. Since then, she’s been playing at Manhattan’s most prestigious jazz clubs and making critically acclaimed music. Her newest release is “Eternity and a Day,” her third disc for Summit Records.
Also this week, Japanese-born, New York based composer, vocalist & shamisen player Emi Makabe unveils “Echo,” featuring special guests Bill Frisell, Jason Moran and Meshell Ndegeocello; contemporary jazz group The Blackhawk Quintet, led by saxophonist Elijah Freeman and trumpeter Ariel Mejia, unveil “Englewood,” named after the legendary recording studio in Englewood Cliffs, New Jersy, where they recorded the disc; and saxophonist Jon Bentley makes his recording debut with “Go Ahead!”