Chance Miki Yamanaka

• 1 Dark Side, Light Side 09:04
• 2 Trinkle Tinkle 06:41
• 3 I Wish I Knew 04:02
• 4 Herzog 05:29
• 5 Jitterbug Waltz 08:42
• 6 Cheryl 05:43
• 7 Unconditional Love 06:39
• 8 Body And Soul 06:55
• 9 Chance 05:48
• Total Runtime 59:03

Info for Chance

I’m certain that I’m not the only pianist who has dreamt of recording at the historic Van Gelder Studio in Englewood Cliffs, NJ.

When Cory Weeds asked me to do another project with him, I immediately thought of recording there with my trio. I still remember the thrill I got from thinking of this project!

This is my first classic piano trio (piano/bass/drums) record. I thought it was appropriate to challenge myself to record with this configuration at this special studio. It had to be with my working trio, featuring Tyrone Allen (bass) and Jimmy Macbride (drums).

I have released 5 records since 2012, almost entirely with my original compositions. If you have come to one of my live shows though, you know how much I love to play tunes. All of these tunes have some meaning to my life.

Dark Side, Light Side - George Cables is one of my favorite pianists and I try to go listen to him every single time he performs in town. I insist on catching him live, not only because of his energetic piano playing and repertoire but also his kind and warm stage presence. This piece is one of my favorite tunes of his, and I often start my show with it.

Trinkle Tinkle - Everybody knows I love Monk. This was recorded as the very last take of the day and I played without caring if the piano went out of tune! It was fun. This kind of looseness makes me realize how important it is to have a working trio that I can trust.

I Wish I Knew - I wrote this arrangement for my senior recital at Queens College (circa 2015). I wanted to include at least one ‘Great American Songbook’ tune. I tweaked it a bit and featured the bass playing the melody. I think the slower tempo is more groovy. It’s cute.

Herzog - We did a Bobby Hutcherson tribute for our streaming series and Jimmy hipped me to this tune. I forgot about the song for a while and suddenly thought of it for this session. As it turns out Tyrone loves this tune, and knew it already! We started playing it a lot and it was so much fun. I don’t really have burning modal tunes in my book, so it is challenging for me. My playing is never perfect, but I hope you enjoy the exciting sound of ours!

Jitterbug Waltz - This arrangement was inspired by Erroll Garner’s version of this beautiful classic by Fats Waller. I always used to play it much faster but I decided to go the opposite direction this time. Erroll played it super slow and almost classically - it is stunning. I love Tyrone’s intro and solo too.

Cheryl - I recorded this tune on my “Stairway To The Stairs” recording. Now we have a new arrangement! It was Tyrone who strongly suggested we include it in this session ;)

Unconditional Love - I think this is the most famous song written by the incredible pianist, Geri Allen. It is simple and super memorable. This tune should be a standard. I recorded it in hopes of musicians playing it more often. It is a love letter to the marvelous Geri who created so much wonderful music!

Body And Soul - A classic standard. I always love this song, especially when I play with some random rhythm section, which happens so often on NYC gigs. It is such a masterpiece, everybody knows it, and it never sounds tired to me! It is the magic of a good song. I added some cute chords inspired by what Kenny Barron played at the Village Vanguard one night. Please enjoy the tender touch of Jimmy’s brush playing! It is so soothing.

Chance - The title song of this record. Everyone knows this song, but it is not played so often because it is not easy! I am still working on it myself. I recorded it to take a ‘chance’ on playing this hard yet beautiful piece at a legendary recording studio. I hope I will keep playing it and eventually feel like I can manage this tune...One day!

Thank you so much for listening to this record. It means so much to me that you decided to give this record a spin. Special thanks to Cory Weeds and all the Cellar Music people who work tirelessly to put out new music, Maureen Sickler for capturing the sound, Sheldon Zaharko for mixing and mastering, Tyrone Allen and Jimmy Macbride for playing their butts off and supporting me like a cozy blanket, the Canadian audience members who joined us in the studio, and my family for the endless love and support for my journey. (Miki Yamanaka New York, NY June 2024)

Miki Yamanaka, piano
Tyrone Allen, bass
Jimmy Macbride, drums

Recorded at Van Gelder Studios, Englewood Cliffs, NJ on March 18th, 2024
Engineered by Maureen Sickler
Mixed and mastered by Sheldon Zaharko
Produced by Cory Weeds and Miki Yamanaka
Executive Producer: Cory Weeds

Miki Yamanaka
Japanese-born pianist Miki Yamanaka has called New York City home since 2012 and in the past decade has wasted no time establishing herself as one of the leading personalities of her generation on the piano and beyond. Critics laud her “light, expressive touch and solidly crafted, mainstream approach” - Mike Jurkovic (All About Jazz), while audiences delight in not only her playing, but her vibrant personality as well. Yamanaka has gained international recognition from her albums as a leader; her most recent and most celebrated release, “Chance” (Cellar Music), features her NYC rhythm section, Tyrone Allen II and Jimmy Macbride. Additionally, Miki has emerged as a leader of the “New York Scene” via her notable residencies at mainstay West Village sister clubs Smalls and Mezzrow. During the pandemic, she developed a successful in-home live-streaming weekly concert series cleverly titled “Miki’s Mood” where she features a veritable who’s who of NYC talent (including her husband and frequent collaborator - drummer Jimmy Macbride). The series showcases her vast knowledge of Jazz standards and tunes, often featuring themed offerings of various composers from both the Great American Songbook as well as iconic Jazz composers.

As a sideman, Yamanaka has worked with Jazz luminaries such as alto saxophonist Antonio Hart who posits “Miki will be recognized as one of the most exceptional artists of her generation, as she is already one of the most talented and dedicated musicians from Japan.” Other notable musicians she currently works with include Roger Humphries, Jamile and The Mingus Bigband. One of her most respected mentors on piano and organ (Yamanaka also performs on organ frequently), Larry Goldings, once mused, “If only I could have Miki Yamanaka comp behind me!” - a compliment of the highest order from one master pianist to another. She has a myriad of glowing reviews from her recorded work and the iconic Downbeat Jazz magazine has repeatedly awarded her albums high marks.

On top of her exciting work as a bandleader in New York and abroad, Miki can often be found out and about most nights, where her infectious smile and gregarious nature engender fast friends in every audience she encounters. She has many hobbies, including cooking, knitting, and perhaps most visibly, her penchant for wearing her vast collection of kimonos on her gigs, proudly representing her heritage and culture night after night as she dazzles audiences around the world.

This album contains no booklet.