Dan Ouellette, Billboard The Harlem-based violinist Meg Okura, who leads her 10-piece Pan Asian Chamber Jazz Ensemble, says that when growing up in Japan, she experienced egalitarian support where her … Read More
Doug Simpson, Audiophile Audition There are many thematic elements to Ima Ima, the 57-minute, seven-track album from Meg Okura & the Pan Asian Chamber Jazz Ensemble. The title has two meanings. … Read More
13th Annual Jazz Critics Poll Spanish Harlem Orchestra – Anniversary (ArtistShare) Latin – Karl Ackerman (All About Jazz) New Releases – Russ Musto (New York City Jazz Record, DownBeat) Henry Conerway … Read More
Ron Schepper, Textura Matt Ulery: Sifting Stars (Woolgathering Records) Bassist Matt Ulery’s a proud ambassador for Chicago’s ever-vital jazz scene, yet Sifting Stars, his eighth as a bandleader since his 2008 debut, is … Read More
Raul da Gama, Jazz da Gama Meg Okura and her Music of Motherhood and Exodus The big canvas has enormous appeal for Meg Okura. She gave notice of this a … Read More
Doug Simpson, Audiophile Audition NPO Trio – Live at the Stone – Chant Records, 64:53 [3/15/18] ****: (Jean-Michel Pilc – piano; Meg Okura – violin, electric violin; Sam Newsome – … Read More
Alan Young, Lucid Culture Anne Drummond’s flute wafts over Brian Marsella’s uneasily rippling, neoromantic piano as the opening title track on violinist Meg Okura‘s Pan Asian Chamber Jazz Ensemble’s new album, … Read More
Giovanni Russonello, New York Times MEG OKURA AND THE PAN ASIAN CHAMBER JAZZ ENSEMBLE at Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola (Aug. 20, 7:30 and 9:30 p.m.). “Ima Ima” is the new album from this impressive … Read More
Michael Tucker, Jazz Journal UK Born in Tokyo in 1973, the American violinist Okura recently converted to Judaism: the album title Ima Ima apparently means “mum” in Hebrew and “now” … Read More
Justin Tedaldi, JQ Magazine Monday, Aug. 20, 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Meg Okura & the Pan Asian Chamber Jazz Ensemble Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola, 10 Columbus Circle $35, $25 students … Read More
