While studying with Keiko Abe in Japan between 1998-1999, I met and talked with Minoru Miki about "Time for Marimba" and "Marimba spiritual", two of his most popular percussion works. Through the years and constant communication, I learned about other percussion works Miki had composed. Between the summer of 2005 and fall of 2006, Miki gave me permission to engrave his unpublished percussion pieces and distribute them through Go Fish Music. These efforts culminated in a showcase concert, entitled "New and unknown Percussion Works by Minoru Miki", at the 2006 Percussive Arts Society International convention. Miki and his wife traveled to Texas to work with the A&M-Commerce ensemble and attend the convention as our special guest. It has been a privilege and honor to work with this great composer and wonderful man, Minoru Miki.
(Notes By Dr. Brian Zator)
Review:
“This CD is cleanly produced and should serve as an enduring audio reference to an extraordinarily-gifted composer, Minoru Miki. Zator is to be highly commended for his masterful musicianship demonstrated both through his marimba performance and his ensemble conducting on this recording.”
Dr. James Lambert, Percussive Notes: October 2008
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