By Laura Rauschert Millar
Given that I am an arts administration graduate student here in Atlanta, as well as a long time Atlanta resident, I hate to admit that I have never attended one of the High’s most popular programming events, “Friday Night Jazz”. This once a month musical tradition has been a staple in The High’s programming line up for years, but truth be told, I was a “Friday Night Jazz at the High” virgin.
The crowds were gathering early outside the Stent Wing’s airy and acoustically perfect atrium. When I asked an informed-looking docent about the history of this well attended program, she tried to bluff her way through it. I could tell, however, that she had no idea how long The High has hosted the programming tradition. She told me she was actually in charge that night, and pointed me to the cocktail cart and appetizer line.
I stepped into the atrium, paid for my beverage of choice, and settled into an unassuming cushion-covered bench at the back of the room. Comfortable and relieved that I had survived yet another very stressful week in my life, I took a sip of the cool drink and leaned back against the wall.
As the crowd was getting settled around me, my arts administrator mind went to work analyzing the crowd’s demographic profile.
I noticed that there was an eclectic group of jazz enthusiasts at the High this beautiful May evening. As I expected, I saw many well dressed couples in attendance as well as a large group of casually dressed retiree-types. I was intrigued by the passing by of an actual “jazz cat” gentleman, complete with black clothes and a beret. And of course there were a few dateless wonders like myself awkwardly sitting in inconspicuous chairs scattered throughout. But what I didn’t notice at first, and then found quite intriguing, was a small, yet growing amount of Asian couples and families streaming into the atrium concert venue. Having really no idea who was performing, I glanced at the billboard and tried to decipher the name “Takana Miyamoto.” I then realized this evening’s performance was not going to be performed by the stereotypical jazz musician.
Miyamoto is a female Japanese jazz pianist. What’s more, she is an internationally acclaimed concert pianist, composer, music producer, and most recently, the composer of a musical score for a newly released Japanese film. Although she now resides in England, she received her Master’s in Jazz Pedagogy at Georgia State University, thus her affinity for Atlanta.
The evening’s performance began with an introduction by an emcee from WCLR Jazz radio. Miyamoto took the microphone, introduced her trio, and lightly touched her 88 keyed instrument.
What transpired the rest of the evening is most likely the most talented pianist I have ever had the pleasure of hearing. Her original works, such as “Rainbow” were so original, so melodic, so impassioned, I was greatly moved. Her bass player, Kevin Smith, drummer, David Patten, and guest vocalist, local Atlanta Jazz singer Laura Coyle were crowning touches to her performance, and no less musicians themselves. They collaborated on crowd pleasers such as Charlie Parker’s “No Greater Love” and Brooks Bowman’s, “East of the Sun, West of the Moon.”
During the group’s breaks, patrons wandered around the museum and enjoyed current exhibits, “The Art of Golf” and “KAWS: Down Time” until lured back to the Stent Wing for the next set of Miyamoto’s full 88 keys of a richness and energy.
Some of Miyamoto’s other noteworthy accomplishments include recording her first trio album in 1997, making her television debut on BET’s “Jazz Central,” and then embarking on an international performing career as a concert pianist. In 2002, Miyamoto moved to Atlanta, Ga. where she received the “Rising Star” recognition from the International Jazz Society. As a composer, she has scored the motion pictures, “Tanemaku Tabibito”, “Furusatogaeri”, “Dear Willie,” and the theatre productions, “Long Christmas Ride Home” and “Duke Ellington’s Cat”. Additionally, Miyamoto was voted “Atlanta’s Best Jazz Act” by Creative Loafing in 2005 and 2006.
As I took my leave early to dash off to yet another obligation in my life , I lingered for the last few moments to hear her finish a spectacular arrangement of George Gershwin’s, “April in Paris.” That song epitomized May in Atlanta for me as I regretfully walked away, knowing I’d experienced the best my city had to offer in one of Atlanta’s true jewels of art expressions.
Having temporarily forgotten the difficulties of my week, I crossed back to the elevator to go down to the parking garage. Being a Friday Night at The High virgin no more, I knew I’d be back for more.
Jazz Night is held the third Friday of every month. Next month’s performer will be Kevin Bales on July 20. The concerts are free to High Members, and available for non-High members for a regular museum ticket entrance fee. For more information, log onto www.High.org.