Miggy Augmented Orchestra at Birdland

"A hidden treasure of New York." —Slide Hampton

CD Release Performance: September 30th at Birdland!

A story of inspiration. Fearless pursuit of passion.

The key to living a rich and meaningful life is continuous learning and fearless and pursuit of one's passion. Migiwa "Miggy" Miyajima stepped down as editor in chief of a magazine to become a musician at age of 30.

In 2011 and 2014, she was associate producer for two Grammy Award nominated albums of the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra. After the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake, she received a scholarship from the Japanese government to come to New York in 2012. There, she studied with {{m: Jim McNeely = 2753}} and {{m: Mike Holober = 16106}}. She went on to lead her orchestra at Birdland in 2017, as the first female Japanese big band leader since {{m: Toshiko Akiyoshi = 11771}} left in 2003....

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"A hidden treasure of New York." —Slide Hampton

CD Release Performance: September 30th at Birdland!

A story of inspiration. Fearless pursuit of passion.

The key to living a rich and meaningful life is continuous learning and fearless and pursuit of one's passion. Migiwa "Miggy" Miyajima stepped down as editor in chief of a magazine to become a musician at age of 30.

In 2011 and 2014, she was associate producer for two Grammy Award nominated albums of the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra. After the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake, she received a scholarship from the Japanese government to come to New York in 2012. There, she studied with {{m: Jim McNeely = 2753}} and {{m: Mike Holober = 16106}}. She went on to lead her orchestra at Birdland in 2017, as the first female Japanese big band leader since {{m: Toshiko Akiyoshi = 11771}} left in 2003.

In 2018, Migiwa was selected for The Slide Hampton Big Band as its conductor and associate producer. The band plays music of NEA Jazz Master, trombonist, composer and arranger- legendary Slide Hampton. The first "Colorful" concert will be on September 30, 2018 at Birdland in New York City.

Composer, Conductor, Producer: Migiwa Miyajima.

Trumpets and Flugelhorns: Dan Urness, David Smith, Matt Holman, Nadje Noordhuis.

Trombones: John Mosca, Jason Jackson, Jennifer Wharton (bass trombone), Douglas Purviance (bass trombone).

Reeds: Ben Kono (alto saxophone, soprano saxophone, flute, clarinet) Alejandro Aviles (alto saxophone, soprano saxophone, flute, clarinet) Sam Dillon (tenor saxophone, flute, clarinet), Quinsin Nachoff (tenor saxophone, clarinet), Carl Maraghi (baritone saxophone, bass clarinet).

Rhythm Section: Jeb Patton (piano, except 2 and 9); Migiwa Miyajima (piano, on 2 and 9); Jared Schonig (drums); Pete McCann (guitar); Yosuke Terao (bass); Tomoko Nagashima from Orange Pekoe (voice on 9).

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