Florida Institute of Technology Music Artist in Residence Christian Tamburr recorded a new CD in early August at the performance studio of university radio station WFIT and will celebrate its release with a free concert at 7 p.m. Sept. 15 at Gleason Performing Arts Center.
Tamburr will play vibraphone and be joined by Japanese pianist Takana Miyamoto and New York City-based percussionist Keita Ogawa on the CD, titled, “People Talk.”
This trio, called the Tamburr-Miyamoto-Ogawa Project, reunites Tamburr and Miyamoto, who have released two previous albums since 2006 amid worldwide performances and tours. Ogawa’s first-time participation adds a new and exciting rhythmic layer, Tamburr said.
“Our new album will exemplify international artistry by incorporating influences of the familiar Great American song book, unique original compositions and dynamic world rhythms,” he said.
Miyamoto is regarded as one of the most influential women in music. Now living in Japan, she spent 18 years in the United States, where she earned her undergraduate degree from the Berklee College of Music in Boston and then her master’s degree in education from Georgia State University in Atlanta.
She was named Atlanta’s “Best Jazz Artist” for two consecutive years, received the “The Rising Star Pianist” Award from Downbeat, and was named one of the 25 most influential people in Georgia. Miyamoto tours internationally and has collaborated with artists including Rene Marie, Liz Wright, Alan Harris, and Nina Freelon.
Her compositions can be heard on award winning international movies, including “Marching,” “Flying Goldfish and the World Secret” and “Tea Travelers.”
Nagasaki, Japan native Keita Ogawa is one of the most versatile and sought-after percussionists in the world. Now based in New York, Ogawa started his career at the age of 15 performing regularly in Tokyo before traveling to Boston, where he attended Berklee College of Music in 2005.
He would later immerse himself into the world of Brazilian percussion, spending three months in Rio de Janeiro studying with some of the countries most respected musicians. Ogawa performs regularly with world-renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma and the new jazz collective Snarky Puppy.
Tamburr is continuing his second year as music artist in residence at Florida Tech. Named “Outstanding Solo Jazz Performer” by Downbeat Magazine and recipient of the 2013 Critics Choice Top Rising Star award for his vibraphone playing, Tamburr currently leads the critically acclaimed Christian Tamburr Quintet around the world, including recent sold out performances in New York City at Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola at Lincoln Center.