JAM: June/July 2005 Issue: Member Profile

YOKO TAKEMURA

KCJA MEMBER SINCE: 1999? (not sure, after I visited Kansas City first)

WHERE YOU LIVE: Tokyo, Japan

VOCATION/AVOCATION: pottery artist, fashion and fabric coordinator, and jazz facilitator

HOW YOU BECAME A MEMBER: Ever since my early teen years, I have loved jazz. When I was 16 I met the Count Basie Orchestra and over the years developed good friendships with many members of the band. Some became life long friends. For example, I have been good friends with former band members Mel Wanzo (lead trombone for 27 years, Detroit ) and Sonny Cohn (lead trumpet for 30 years, Chicago). The first members I met 30 some years ago. They taught me about the great era of Kansas City Jazz, not only Count Basie but also Charlie Parker, Jay McShann and many great other musicians.

When I saw the movie "The Last Of Blue Devils" in 1979, I was deeply moved. It was a really great movie and I was determined to visit Kansas City. My dream came true about 20 years later.

One day I found the web site for " Kansas City Jazz Ambassadors" on the Internet. It was really great Web site at that time and I contacted KCJA immediately. I received a response from Dean Hampton, who at that time was responsible for public relations at KCJA. I visited Kansas City that summer, and I really had great time there. Dean took me to many places and introduced me to many good friends. Everything was great; good music, good people, good food, and natural beauty totally different from Tokyo.

Present Kansas City jazz is not exactly same as played in golden era. However, I could imagine those good days when I was standing at 18th & Vine or the Mutual Musician's Foundation. I felt the same swing spirits from present day KC jazz musicians.

I decided to support jazz in Kansas City, and became a member of KCJA.

I was given many things from jazz musicians all over the world for many years, things I couldn't get with money. This is my treasure. I believe great music gives me true happiness and wealth!

Want to share your story? Email jameditor@jazzkc.org with the story of how you became a member.

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	Search our site:		YOKO TAKEMURA KCJA MEMBER SINCE: 1999? (not sure, after I visited Kansas City first) WHERE YOU LIVE: Tokyo, Japan VOCATION/AVOCATION: pottery artist, fashion and fabric coordinator, and jazz facilitator HOW YOU BECAME A MEMBER: Ever since my early teen years, I have loved jazz. When I was 16 I met the Count Basie Orchestra and over the years developed good friendships with many members of the band. Some became life long friends. For example, I have been good friends with former band members Mel Wanzo (lead trombone for 27 years, Detroit ) and Sonny Cohn (lead trumpet for 30 years, Chicago). The first members I met 30 some years ago. They taught me about the great era of Kansas City Jazz, not only Count Basie but also Charlie Parker, Jay McShann and many great other musicians. When I saw the movie "The Last Of Blue Devils" in 1979, I was deeply moved. It was a really great movie and I was determined to visit Kansas City. My dream came true about 20 years later. One day I found the web site for " Kansas City Jazz Ambassadors" on the Internet. It was really great Web site at that time and I contacted KCJA immediately. I received a response from Dean Hampton, who at that time was responsible for public relations at KCJA. I visited Kansas City that summer, and I really had great time there. Dean took me to many places and introduced me to many good friends. Everything was great; good music, good people, good food, and natural beauty totally different from Tokyo. Present Kansas City jazz is not exactly same as played in golden era. However, I could imagine those good days when I was standing at 18th & Vine or the Mutual Musician's Foundation. I felt the same swing spirits from present day KC jazz musicians. I decided to support jazz in Kansas City, and became a member of KCJA. I was given many things from jazz musicians all over the world for many years, things I couldn't get with money. This is my treasure. I believe great music gives me true happiness and wealth! Want to share your story? Email jameditor@jazzkc.org with the story of how you became a member. RETURN TO JUNE/JULY 2005 MAIN INDEX © Kansas City Jazz Ambassadors 1996-2005. All rights reserved.