17 Years of Song

It’s hard to listen to this concert because I hear my voice starting to slip out of control. An hemangioma had begun to change the contour of my right vocal cord. It became so difficult to sing in tune that I’d stop performing in 2009. It would continue to worsen, leaving a constant dryness in my throat, as though my pharynx was on fire. Surgery helped. We’ll see how it heels. I’ve had to relearn how to sing, avoiding formerly dependable notes and melodic tricks and instead using new tones and textures.

This tour of Japan marked the end of a great deal of touring that started in 2004, supporting my PARADOR and WISELY albums. Wouldn’t play many gigs at all for another three years. It’s fitting then, that this set covers songs written over the 17 years previous. The acoustic treatments bring all the various phases together and Rie Yoshihara adds depth with her unbelievable skills as an accompanist. I’m eager to play with her again on an upcoming 2012 tour of Japan. Must express gratitude to her again for an unforgettable dinner she made on the last night of our stay. She’s a great cook, and served us dishes that her grandmother used to make. Touching and delicious.