We've launched an exciting new project of our own! Introducing the Kickstarter app for iPhone!

Funded! This project successfully raised its funding goal on September 24, 2011.

Photo-main

My first solo piano recording of originals and standards.

Mary Lou Williams told me 30 years ago at my first lesson with her that “you have to go through the muck and the mud to play the blues.” Now in midlife, having slogged through some deep mud and muck, I can say that the dirt and all of my life experience counts, and that it informs and enriches my artistic voice.

I am very excited to share Sumi Tonooka: NOW--live at the Howland, as my first solo piano recording and a project that reflects my musical development up to now. You can be a part it by helping to finish and release this recording.

The program was recorded this spring at The Howland Cultural Center in Beacon, NY, with the first set devoted to the standards and jazz masters that have inspired me, and a second set of my original compositions.

PROGRAM:First Set

I Hear A Rhapsody (Fragos, Baker, Gasparre)

Heaven (Duke Ellington)

I'm Old Fashioned (J.Kern, J. Mercer)

Mary Lou Williams Medley: Baby Man (John Stubblefield), Waltz Boogie (Williams), Dirge Blues (Williams)

Evidence (Thelonious Monk)

All Of Me (Cole Porter) 

Second Set

Phantom Carousel    an early composition based on a 6-tone Egyptian scale

Sojourn 1 and Uganda Blues  composed in 2011 inspired by a recent tour to Africa

Morrocan Daze  based on a Moroccan rhythm in 7/4

Mingus Mood    composed as a theme in the film “Crosstown”

At Home    a waltz 

Encore:I'm Confessin' (Eubie Blake)

Playing solo gives me the opportunity to explore the full harmonic, melodic and percussive range of the instrument-- 88 keys, pedaling, tone and touch--without anything else in the way. If you like my work, or solo piano, I think you will enjoy this program as much as my live audience and I did.

Funds for this project cover the costs of recording, mixing, mastering, manufacturing and marketing. The project will be released through Artists Recording Collective, which does not provide production or marketing funds. This project will not be funded unless all funds are raised by the deadline, so please pass this along through your social networks and share with your friends. Feel free to reach out to me with any questions or comments. Contributions at any level are deeply appreciated.

sumitonooka.com

FAQ

Have a question? If the info above doesn't help, you can ask the project creator directly.

Ask a question
113
Backers
$8,800
pledged of $8,500 goal
0
seconds to go

Funding period
Aug 15, 2011 - Sep 24, 2011 (40 days)

Sumicrop.medium

See full bio

  • Pledge $10 or more

    21 backers

    $10 gets you a digital download of the CD, a week before its release date!

    Estimated delivery: Nov 2011
  • Pledge $25 or more

    36 backers

    $25 gets you the above, plus a signed, advance copy of the CD (shipping included).

    Estimated delivery: Nov 2011
  • Pledge $50 or more

    18 backers

    $50 gets you the above, plus a video download of a selection from solo studio session recorded earlier this year at Tedesco studios.

    Estimated delivery: Dec 2011
  • Pledge $100 or more

    19 backers

    $100 gets you the above, plus two video downloads from solo studio session, plus a signed score of “Phantom Carousel”.

    Estimated delivery: Dec 2011
  • Pledge $250 or more

    3 backers

    $250 gets you all the above, plus an hour-long piano or jazz improvisation lesson with Sumi (Skyped if need be).

    Estimated delivery: Dec 2011
  • Pledge $500 or more

    0 backers

    $500 - A pledge at this level gets you special thanks mention on the actual CD. A signed, advance copy of CD, a video download of a selection from studio date recorded earlier this year at Tedesco studios. A signed score of “Phantom Carousel”. A meet and greet with me, plus 4 free tickets to promo concert (Phila, New York, more possible locations TBA).

    Estimated delivery: Dec 2011
  • Pledge $1,000 or more

    1 backer

    $1000 - A pledge at this level gives you all the above, plus an ASSOCIATE PRODUCER listing.

    Estimated delivery: Dec 2011
  • Pledge $1,500 or more

    0 backers

    $1500 - A pledge at this level gives you all the above, plus an original solo piano composition, composed and recorded in your honor (or a person or cause of your choice) and performed at promo concert.

    Estimated delivery: Dec 2011
  • Pledge $2,500 or more

    0 backers

    $2500 - A pledge at this level gives you a private solo piano performance at venue of your choice, a producer listing, a signed, advance copy of CD, a video download of a selection from studio date recorded earlier this year at Tedesco studios, a signed score of “Phantom Carousel”, and a meet and greet dinner with me, plus 4 free tickets to promo concert (Phila, New York, more possible locations TBA).

    Estimated delivery: Dec 2011