I still remember how I met Kimura-san.
Back in '98 she had sent a video of her sax quartet performance to Shin (Mondo Grosso) through our management company, and we both viewed it together.
I was impressed not only of Kimura-san and her playing but her guts--she had the guts to send the video, and those guts showed in the way she played.
Until I left Japan, Kimura-san became a regular member in my band.
I've always been an admirer of women who break out of the stereotypical female mode and do what they feel is in them. You don't see a lot of female saxophonists,let alone a lot of females producing and creating their own works.
Kimura-san is the rare musician who not only breaks the gender barrier but also other barriers in creating something that goes beyond set styles or genres and the very reason why she is favored musicians and DJs alike.
I especially love the tune "Once Upon a Time" which shows off her unique composing and arrangement style!
Monday Michiru(NY)
