Rooted: Origins of Now

Composer/bassist Tatsu Aoki leads the LARGE Miyumi ensemble with this commissioned composition. Rooted is the first in a series of recordings co-produced by The Jazz Institute of Chicago. Rooted was premiered at the 2001 Chicago Jazz Festival.
Southport Records in association with Asian Improv and The Jazz Institute Of Chicago presents the debut of the JIC's new CD label, "Sound Archive And Recordings." Last summer of 2001 the JIC commissioned famed bassist/composer and producer Tatsu Aoki to compose and perform the selection "Rooted." The world premiere of the 12-piece ensemble big band percussion project was within a regional city neighborhood (Ping Tom Memorial Park in Chinatown) and at The Chicago Jazz Festival in the summer of 2001. This recording is the first in an ongoing JIC series of producing original music and also pulling sides from their lush history of festivals and events that go back in time to 1978.
"Rooted" traces the immigration of people from the Asian Pacific region to Chicago and other North American ports of call. In addition to melding elements of traditional Japanese music and avant-garde jazz, it finds rhythmic common ground in seemingly disparate styles. Included in the ensemble are AACM leader Mwata Bowden's clarinet and baritone saxophone, trumpet master Ameen Muhammad, vocalist Yoko Noge, violinist Jonathan Chen, young saxophonists Taku Akiyama and Toru Hironaka, trap drummer Mia Park, and four Taiko drummers (including Aoki). A true epic.
Bassist Tatsu Aoki is not only dynamic as a player, but is also the Executive Director of Asian Improv Records, and the international producer for Southport Records. Southport records continues it's tradition of recording and producing new music from Chicago to a world market. Media, we appreciate your support!