Serene and subtle

Jazz-bossa nova vocalist Shigeko Suzuki enthralled a select audience at the residence of Japanese Ambassador and Mrs. Kojiro Takano who presented her in a private concert prior to the opening of the Phil-Japanese Arts Festival.

The tall, strikingly attractive Shigeko wearing a red gown that encased her slim-as-a-reed figure, performed in the living room which was made to look like a nightclub for the elite. Indeed, it was a perfect setting, Ms. Shigeko having become in 1995 the first Japanese to sing in New York’s Blue Note jazz club. (Curiously enough, she is a law graduate from Tokyo U.)

Her graceful, quietly appealing manner is a stark contrast to that of current pop singers who "belt" out their songs while moving about the stage with no inhibitions whatsoever. Ms. Shigeko’s style is serene, subtle, highly understated in the Oriental fashion, and doubtless influenced by her acting experience in films. Her volume, very rarely peaking to fortissimo, ranges from soft, softer, to long-sustained, nearly inaudible pianissimo. Thus, a rather loud note achieves a stunning effect.

She sang of nature – its beauty and awesome grandeur (Colors of the Wind and The Rose), of the anguish, nostalgia, loneliness, joy or ecstasy of living (Hometown and Grandfather’s Clock, both in Japanese). The marvelous accompaniment provided by pianist Kazuki Watanabe, guitarist Yoshiteru Ito, bass player Nobuaki Kobayashi and percussionist Toyoji Kuriyama was subtly fascinating likewise, enriching Ms. Shigeko’s renditions. For instance, in Colors of the Wind, the faintest rushing of waves in the distance deepened the soothing quality of the song.

Ms. Shigeko briefly explained each number in a shy, halting fashion which enhanced rather than detracted from her charm. Although her English diction was not always clear, such were the emotions she conveyed that every phrase, every sigh, every smile compelled attention. So understated was her artistry that a hand slightly raised indescribably moved the listener; an arm lifted overhead spoke volumes.

As an encore piece, Gounod’s Ave Maria with piano accompaniment was Ms. Shigeko’s homage to the woman she "most admired", as also her gracious acknowledgement of the Filipino’s devotion to the Virgin Mary. Solemn and reverential, the interpretation earned stunned admiration and rapturous applause, this led by our own top vocalist Cocoy Laurel.

* * *

Second Secretary Shuhei Ogawa assisted in the physical arrangements and attended to guests, among them Chief Justice and Mrs. Hilario Davide, Jr., Senate President Frank Drilon, former VP Salvador and Celia Laurel, Mrs. Gloria Angara, Mrs. Marixi Prieto, Mrs. Letty Shahani, Jose Macario Laurel IV, and Letty Laurel.

Also in the audience were Ambassador Paul and Carolyn Dimond, Ambassadors Busba Bunnag, Maimunah Dato Elias, Mrs. EK Sereywath, Tony Rufino, Ben and Nannete Sanvictores and Prof. and Mrs. Wilfredo Villacorta.