Shigemi Minetaka

Finally, I've started to work on new recordings.  (Details will be shared much later as I only started to scratch the surface at this point).  

My bassist friend Ethan (also a recording engineer) helped me pick a good home recording device: Zoom h4n.

Click here to check Zoom h4n at Guitar Center

I put it on a regular mic stand which Ethan gave me, (for which I ordered a special adapter so that a recorder and stay on).  

It's challenging to focus on a project like this when all my family members are home…

My last post about making an office space at home might have made an impression that I am powering through quarantine life in an ambitious style.  

If that's the impression I gave, that's actually not true.  

With a long stretch of time everyday and no schedule and appointments, I slowed down quite a bit.  

I have been staying with myself quietly throughout the day (I mean, metaphorically.  I might be standing up in the kitchen or weeding in the yard).  

I find this very calming.  

I also try not to…

Out of the blue, I felt like sharing this one positive thing I did recently at home. 

That is, to make my personal office space (for the first time in my adult life).

Frankly, it's just a wall, but making this space has made a HUGE impact on my everyday life.  Huge-er than I imagined.  So, I wanted to share.   

I am way more motivated to work everyday, and I am very focused when I sit here.  

I also enjoy sitting here looking out to the deck and yard (so, my next goal is…

There's a piano that I am interested.  The touch is amazing and the sound.  So powerful and sensitive.  

It seems beyond my reach but I feel happy even just to remember how it sounded at the Apollo Piano show room in my town. 

https://usa.yamaha.com/products/musical_instruments/pianos/grand_pianos/cx_series/index.html

What's more, it comes with a recording system, and sound silencing system (with which, you can silence the grand piano and practice with headphones! - perfect for busy moms whose practice…

Still surprised how many people came out to the CD release party.  Quite frankly, I didn't know till that night I was supported this much in community of Chico.  And a friend even drove with his toddler from Santa Rosa to catch the show....

Thank you family, friends, community of Chico, Uncle Dad's Arts Collective (sponsor of the party), Naked Lounge, and my crews (musicians).  That evening was one of the greatest gift for me. 

As for the album - I am so happy with it and even enjoy listening in the car…