Eki Shola – 還 Kaeru (2023)
Musician, composer and physician, Eki Shola, is originally from London but now calls both the San Francisco Bay Area and Japan home. Fresh from a tour in Japan, she eagerly presents her album 還 Kaeru. The album was recorded predominantly with local Japanese talents such as drummer Hidenori Tsugita, shamisen and shakuhachi virtuoso Uma Ebina, and Mongolian Morin Khuur maestro Tatsuya Okabayashi. This fifth album represents a captivating mix of traditional Japanese instrumentation with electro jazz elements.
Kaeru, translating to “to return home,” delves into themes of belonging and self-identity, inspired by Shola’s extensive global travels and personal reflections. Drawing from her encounters in Hiroshima, Lisbon, and Addis Ababa, Shola finds a deep resonance with Japan, a connection rooted in her initial visit two decades ago as a medical student. Collaborating with local talents and recording at Studio Tepemok, a former community hospital, Shola intricately weaves cultural and personal narratives into her music.
Beyond genre confines, Shola’s music encompasses jazz, electronica, and soul, reflecting her multifaceted artistry as a vocalist and pianist. As a practicing physician, she skillfully employs music as a means of healing, a role she’s embraced while sharing stages with luminaries like Dr. Donald Byrd and Steve Turre. Notable for her performances opening for Habib Koité, Bebel Gilberto, and others, Shola’s accolades include five NorBay Music awards and participation in prestigious artist residencies like the OBRAS foundation in Portugal. Her recent Japan tour in support of “Kaeru” underscores her commitment to cultural exchange and musical innovation.
Musicians: Eki Shola – Keyboard, piano, electronics, synth bass, cello, and vocals; Uma Ebina – Shamisen and shakuhachi; Tatsuya Okabayashi – Mongolian Morin Khuur; Hidenori Tsugita – Drums.
Buy 還 Kaeru
Author: Lisa Miller
