Hammond 44

We got really excited with Ayumi's new equipment—Hammond 44 by Suzuki—which is one of the most pricey and presumably the best quality melodica. We tried playing a little today. Pitch is very correct, tone is nicely soft, key noise is less than others in initial condition. It has got built-in mic and 44 keys (the previous one was 37 keys), which will give us more possibilities in arranging/composing. Can't wait for using it at next concert.!

(In duet with 37 keys melodica which we have been using)

(Melodica which Ayumi has been using, chronologically ordered from the left to right)

Spain by Chick Corea, on Melodica & Guitar

Pocket Penguin played "Spain" by Chick Corea, which is one of the most frequently played repertoire from the modern jazz standard. The pictures in this video were provided by an Argentinian artist, Lili Mariel Sciarrotta. She is currently based in the U.S. and being active as not only painter, but also as poet, singer, and Spanish teacher.

 

Here is additional information about the painter: Mariel describes her painting style as a combination of expressionism, modernism, and abstract. She believes art is the true expression of the soul, the feelings and emotions that connects all beings. If you want to see more of her art, visit her site at: lmsciarrotta.blogspot.com/, or like her Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/lmsciarrotta (updated on 20th Jan 2013)

 Melodica: Ayumi Toyama
Guitar: Ryusuke Koarashi

After the concerts in Nagoya, Japan

Pocket Penguin has finished two concerts at Munetsugu Hall and at Sarmale on 18th of December. We would like to say many thanks to all of you who came to these events and also who supported us.!

The programmes:

Lunch time concert (day-time)

＊Bulgarian Folk Dance - Kopanitsa
＊Musa Mirzoev - 6 pieces on material of Azerbaijan Folklore
1. Lyrical piece
2. First Dance
3. Second Dance
＊Niyazi Hajibeyov - Music fragments from the film “Almas”
＊Michio Miyagi- Haru no Umi
＊Bartok Bela - Romanian Christmas Carols Series 1
＊Christmas Carol - The First Noel
＊Ennio & A. Morricone: Fragments from the Film “Nuovo Cinema Paradiso”
＊Ryusuke Koarashi - A Bird Flying over Mountains
Encore: Handel- Ombra Mal Fu

The Live show (evening-time)
Part 1:
＊Bulgarian Folk Dance - Kopanitsa
＊Hideyuki Fujiwara (sung by Sachiko Nishida) - Akashia no Ame ga yamutoki
＊Musa Mirzoev - 6 pieces on material of Azerbaijan Folklore
1. Lyrical piece
2. First Dance
3. Second Dance
＊Michio Miyagi- Haru no Umi

Part 2:
＊Tadashi Manjome (sung by Hibari Misora) - Kanashiki Kuchibue
＊Christmas Carol - The First Noel
＊Bartok Bela - Romanian Christmas Carols Series 1
＊Ryusuke Koarashi: Ikoku no oka (Foreign Hill)
＊Ennio & A. Morricone: Fragments from the Film “Nuovo Cinema Paradiso”
＊Marguerite Monnot: Hymne à l'amour
Encore: Ryusuke Koarashi - A Bird Flying over Mountains



Ayumi Toyama: Melodica
Ryusuke Koarashi: Guitar

Kitchen Party (Christmas Party)

Kitchen Party (Christmas Party) has finished.

Programme:

Ennio & A. Morricone: Fragments from the Film "Nuovo Cinema Paradiso"
B. Bartok: Romanian Christmas Carol
Ryusuke Koarashi: Ikoku no oka (Foreign Hill)
Christmas Carol: The First Noel

Melodica: Ayumi Toyama
Guitar: Ryusuke Koarashi

Fragments from the Film "Nuovo Cinema Paradiso" is an arrangement of pieces from the famous Italian film "new cinema paradise" in English. Ryusuke first arranged for solo guitar many years ago, and this time rearranged it for melodica and guitar. All the film music might be strongly attributed to a particular situation in the film, but such film music can often be enjoyed separately, giving alternative meaning and context outside the film. The pieces in the arrangement was not just ordered with following the story of the film, but was re-edited to give a different meaning as a whole. (originally it was made it for a wedding party of Ryusuke's friend). Romanian Christmas Carol is originally a piano piece by Bartok, chosen and "edited" from Christmas songs in Romania.Those songs are sung during Christmas time, but according to Bartok, many of those have the origin in ancient religion before the Christianity raised. Foreign Hill was composed in many years ago, and was even forgotten until now "rediscovering". Now it is renewed for melodica and guitar, and will be performed for next concert again.



The concept of Kitchen Party is to enjoy listening music with eating and drinking. So everyone brings his/her own food and drink to share with each other. We have enjoyed various food from many different countries, but this time, surprisingly we encountered our favourite food, SUSHI!! Many thanks to N-san who brought it! and hope to see "them" again!

The First Nöel, for Melodica & Guitar

Christmas is near. Shinning decoration is now covering over London to celebrate it. Today, Pocket Penguin is adding a movie with our arrangement of an English carol, The First Noel. This piece will also be performed in concerts in Japan next month. Please switch off the lights to watch the video, and hope it will be another ornament at your place.

 

Melodica: Ayumi Toyama
Guitar & Arrangement: Ryusuke Koarashi

My Friend is Unwell by Aram Khachaturian, on Melodica & Guitar

It's been getting colder and darker in London. Winter will be coming here soon. Today we are uploading a new piece which might suit to this particular season. Aram Khachaturian's piece, "My friend is unwell". It sounds shadowy, but sometimes a light emerges beautifully through a rift in the clouds.

 Melodica: Ayumi Toyama
Guitar: Ryusuke Koarashi

 

Live show in Nagoya, Japan on 18th December

Pocket Penguin is going to have a live show in December in Nagoya, Japan. Reservation is essential as the show includes dinner and 1 drink and the seats are limited. To reserve a place, please email your name and the title of the event. E-mail: info@duo.penguinistan.com

Melodica: Ayumi Toyama
Guitar: Ryusuke Koarashi

Date: 18th December (TUE)
Time: 7:30pm (Door Open: 7:00pm)
Venue: Romanian Resutaurant Sarmale
Nagoya-shi, Aoi, 1-16-28 461-0001 TEL:052-935-8877
Subway: Higashiyama Line Shinsakae Station (2 mins walk from exit 2)
Map: click here
Admission: 4000yen (includes dinner, 1 drink & music charge)

It will be the second time to play at Sarmale for Pocket Penguin. Sarmale is a friendly and cozy restaurant where serves the authentic Romanian food (very delicious, umai!). Pocket Penguin will be playing variety of music including new arrangement of Christmas songs and Azerbaijani classical pieces(going to be Japan premiere), etc.

Hope to you see you there!!!!