Spin this jazzy version of Maoz Tsur as you light your menorah tonight.
It was recently brought to my attention (thank you, twitter) that I was mentioned on the wikipedia page for TLC, the Queens of 90’s R&B. And I’m absolutely honored to find that my cover of No Scrubs is the first example cited, just ahead of Weezer, Kacey Musgraves, and the cast of Glee. (My jazzy swanked-out version also garnered me an OutMusic Award in 2009). If this is any part of my legacy, I am thrilled.
This is a great time to remind you that you can listen to this track anytime you want or download it and carry it with you always (here).
Holler at me 😉
the corner table is reserved for the band.
at Zimagine jazz club in Tokyo.
and when Toru welcomed me on stage, I was prepared:
“皆さん, こんばんは
ここにいるのは私の名誉です
日本で初めてのことです
すみません, 私は日本語を話せません”
[try google translate]
countless times playing with Toru in the US, i’d bring the band back to Yardley Pennsylvania where my mom would feed us after a show. being here in Japan, it is really comforting to know that so many things, like moms feeding musicians at midnight, are universal.
On my last night in japan, Toru told me to come outside quick. The clouds were finally parting and I would have one last chance to see her before I left. Mt Fuji is regularly visible in winter, and only fleetingly in the summer. But if the view of Fuji is clear, if she reveals herself to you, it means good luck.
There are many stories and legends about the highest mountain in Japan, many things that it represents. I read in a few places people who claim that “Fuji is the soul of Japan”. This trip was short, and i mostly experienced Fuji from afar and only briefly. i’ll have to come back to see it more clearly.
Sayonara is a poetic way of saying goodbye. literally translated:
if it is to be that way, if it must be so
thank you to my friends, old and new,
for welcoming me & showing me your country,
for proving that music is truly the universal language.
follow me on tour in Japan on twitter (#BigInJapan)
We always talked about playing music in Japan.
Toru Takiguchi was one of the first musicians i ever worked with when i started performing in New York City. Over 9 years, we ended up performing all over the country together. I got to introduce him to my hometown and some of my favorite cities. It’s been a few years since he moved back to his homeland.
Time for a reunion.
Avi Wisnia, On Tour in Japan with the Torujazz Trio
Concert Info & Tickets | RSVP
‘Tis the Season! The holidays have rolled around again, which means that my song Maoz Tsur (Rock of Ages) is now available. Download this “traditional Hanukah melody with a modern jazz spin” for FREE when you subscribe to the AW Newsletter below. (now until January 1.)
