Seiki Yukimoto in New York
by Seiki Yukimoto

Seiki Yukimoto – A Soul-stirring Night at Nublu in New York.

Trumpeter Seiki Yukimoto who knows the genuine New York sound and made his debut with the the Don Cherry Band, led his own band Soulbleed East Meets West in a heated live performance at New York’s Nublu. Here Yukimoto provides a report of the scene and the current state of the cutting-edge club Nublu.

Soulbleed’s genre defying improvisation captivates the audience.

On September 22nd of last year, a concert by my band Soulbleed East Meets West was held at Nublu in New York’s Lower East Side. This musical den has always been known as a base for music seekers who go beyond the boundaries of jazz, and that night was no exception. The gig was a full house thanks to everyone who was looking forward to my performance, the same as my performances in Japan despite my short stay, and I was overwhelmed with emotion. The performers were a collection of legends representing the New York music scene, including guitarist Spaceman Patterson (who played with Miles Davis), bassist Stanley Banks (George Benson), keyboardist Terry Burrus (Diana Ross), drummer Craig Holiday Haynes (Sun Ra Arkestra), washboard player Newman Taylor Baker (Matthew Shipp), and percussionist José Luis Abreu. All of them showed off their improvisational skills, creating a whirlpool of music where all their individual personalities intermingled. On this special night, there was no rehearsal, just a short sound check and we started playing based on the sheet music I had prepared. Our genre-crossing improvisation captivated the audience. Spaceman’s funky guitar, Terry’s exquisite technique, Banks’ soulful bass, Haynes’ lyrical drums, Abreu’s Latin flavor, and Baker’s original washboard joined to create a unique sound. I played the quena (a South American bamboo flute) in addition to the trumpet creating a new sound that connected East and West, which was well received by New Yorkers. (Reviewed in the Amsterdam News on October 31st) I lived in New York while studying at Columbia University in the 1980s. At the time, I was roommates with Don Cherry and Miguel Piñero, which had a big impact on my musical life. New York musicians are very powerful and competitive, and the experience I gained there still lives on in my music. Currently, I lead the band Soulbleed in Japan and pursue music that goes beyond jazz. This New York performance was a valuable opportunity for me to remember my roots.

A Cutting Edge Event Leading the Era: “Producer Mondays”

A cutting-edge event that leads the times (Producer Mondays) at Nublu, where I held my concert, is a club that is recognized worldwide as being on the forefront of music which continues to send out a unique sound fusing various genres of music including jazz. The club was founded in 2002 by saxophonist Ilhan Ersahin, who has a Swedish and Turkish background. A variety of artists such as Butch Morris, Eddie Henderson, and Norah Jones have also performed at Nublu. Currently, they operate two locations, Nublu (151 Ave. C) and Nublu Classic (62 Ave. C), and have their own label, Nublu Records. In addition to events such as Ilhan’s exciting original sessions on Sundays and Latin Brazilian Live on Wednesdays, live music is played every day. One event worth mentioning is “Producer Mondays” hosted by Raymond Angry, which has been held in this unique space since 2018. Angry has been active for many years in the world of soul, R&B, jazz, and pop as a keyboard player, composer, and producer. He is also known as a member of The Roots, performing in the band on “The Jimmy Fallon Show.” Angry’s hits include “Slow Down Baby” by Christina Aguilera and “Priceless” by Melanie Fiona. “Producer Mondays” is a creative platform that brings together seasoned musicians and up and coming artists for cross-genre improvisation and original music. The event not only allows audiences to experience new sounds that transcend musical boundaries, but also allows artists to gain new inspiration through collaborations. 2 In contrast to Nublu’s simple exterior, inside there is a vibrant space where music is at the center, and to embody the club’s philosophy the stage is set at floor level, providing an up close and personal live experience.

“Producer Mondays” is an event that symbolizes the creativity and energy that is born in this
special space, and it has become an essential part of music for fans and artists alike. This weekly event created by Raymond Angry is more than just a music event; it has formed a unique community where art and ideas intersect. “Producer Mondays” will continue to open new possibilities for music.

PHOTO CREDITS:

Page 48 (Top Page): Seiki Yukimoto – Photo by Hollis King

Page 49 (Top Left): From left Spaceman Patterson (g), Stanley Banks (b), Yukimoto, Terry Burrus (key) – Photo by Hollis King | (Top Right): A packed venue at full capacity – Photo by Maria Corsaro | (Bottom Left): The entrance of Nublu | (Bottom Right): Yukimoto and Raymond Angry, host of “Producer Mondays” – Photo by Maria Corsaro