The Pace Report: "Mari-Blue" The Mari Koga Interview
Jazz vocalist Mari Koga latest release, "Perfect Blue," is a change of pace for both jazz and Latin jazz purists. Mari hails from Osaka, Japan and brings listeners new originals as well as some jazz standards sung in her native Japanese as well as backed by some of New York City's finest Latin jazz musicians.
Mari developed a passion for jazz while growing up in Japan listening to the great Sarah Vaughn as one of her main inspirations.
"Perfect Blue" is a dynamic recording showcasing what's next to come for the next generation of jazz vocalists. Mari and her longtime arranger and pianist Chiemi Nakai have found a unique and rich sound with musicians Ruben Rodriguez on bass, Vince Cherico on drums, and Roberto Quintero on percussion. "Perfect Blue" was co-produced by her mentor and trumpeter, Willie Ruiz.
In this episode of The Pace Report I sat down with Mari and talked about her latest recording as well how jazz is important in her life. Enjoy!
