My guitar is napping on the grass... October 12, 2007
Heather Jinmaku (voice, acoustic guitar, djembe, bodhran and other percussion), frequently with the much appreciated musical and technical friendship of much loved friends at different times, including:
(listed alphabetically)
Todd Alan, Paulette Amory, Ruth Barrett, Karen "Pinkie" Bergmann, Doug Bischoff, Basia Brady, Felicia Brathwaite, Barbara Caillagh, Celia, Joe Credit III, David Doersch, Patrick Durian, Steve "the Tunaman" Fortuna, Randy Foster, Ed Francis, Greg Greenway, Joelle Griffin-Russell, John Hallberg, David Hamilton, Bruce Harris, Catherine Hauke, George Hertzel, Steve Holliday, Doug Horvath, Scott Hyland, Austin Jackson, Gary Jackson, Tyler Jackson, Sri Joseph, Les Kayanan, Michael Kazalski, Mick Mikula, Larry Morris, Ric Neyer, "Bongo Bob" Smutak, Gabe Stone, Logan Sullivan, Larry Tracy, SJ "Sooj" Tucker, Libby Wiebel, Kerri Upton, Elizabeth Wiley, Kaliska Wiley (interpretive dance *smile*), Miranda Wiley, Zack Williamson, Beth Witters, and last only alphabetically, Mark Witters!
If I forgot anyone, let me know!!! Sometimes, I only get to learn first names when we're running around backstage, so thanks also to Brian (about 3 or 4 of you) and a couple more Todds, and there is bound to be a Chris or two in there somewhere. *grin*
My drum...
Me at age 3 or 4 with my brother's guitar...
Buddha near small temple in Meguro, Tokyo, Japan, August 2006
Influences
Eclectic! As a child I was obsessed with the voices of Judy Garland, Julie Andrews and (thrown oddly into the mix), Cher and Carole King, then Stevie Nicks and Christine McVie. Later came Ella Fitzgerald and Billie Holliday as well as Peggy Lee, Bessie Smith, Keely Smith, and more! I also am indebted to blues trailblazers like Bonnie Raitt, Etta James, KoKo Taylor (whose version of "I'd Rather Go Blind" still gives me chills) and Saffire, the Uppity Blues Women, especially Ann Rabson, for inspiring me, along with so many other fabulous ladies of the Blues. Let's face it-- I could list every woman I can think of who ever sang a note and still never cover every one that I admire or that has changed the way I sing in some way. You have all helped shape my style, both in songwriting and vocalization. Thank you!
Sumo Wrestler statue against the urban Tokyo night, taken near the Nihon Sumo Kyokai in Tokyo. By Heather Jinmaku, August 2006
Sounds Like
You tell me! Opinions vary wildly... I get everything: Ella to Billie
to Jewel to Joni to Janis! If I am very lucky... :)
My Sister, myself and my wonderful Aunt,
Imperial Palace Gate, Tokyo, Japan
August 2006
Photo by Sakuko, using my Canon A620
Sake Barrels at the Meiji Shrine
near Harajuku, Tokyo, Japan
August 2006, by Heather Jinmaku
Reflecting Pond near the Meiji Shrine
near Harajuku, Tokyo, Japan
August 2006, by Heather Jinmaku
Fabric from my cousin Yasuyo's wedding kimono
hand dyed by my Aunt
August 2006, by Heather Jinmaku
Williamsburg, Virginia performing songwriter Heather Jinmaku blends a passion for History, Myth, Legend, Philosophy and Spirituality with an eclectic songwriting style and dynamic voice. Heather spins stories that echo the tales of the Ancients in one moment, then speaks simply and soulfully in the next, creating a unique musical experience with a universal appeal. This endlessly fascinating World is all the inspiration she needs to craft her much beloved Songs!
2005 Musiphysical Productions
Overview By Mark Witters
"Heather Jinmaku's first CD, The Balance, blends a voice of butterscotch with beautiful, enchanting songs that are sure to touch your soul. Thirteen songs ranging from new age folk to bluesy rock have all been crafted by Heather. The Goddess is truly in and She rocks!"
Featured are: Heather Jinmaku-all vocals/guitar, Steve Fortuna-drums, Ric Neyer-percussion, Mark Witters-bass,/guitar. The Balance was recorded /mixed/produced by Mark Witters at Magick Circle Sound for Musiphysical Productions.
"This Album is dedicated to all those who understand the Power and Magic of Music-- to the Family of My Birth and the Family of My Heart, to Coyotes and Divas, to Bards and Healers, to Warriors and Teachers, to Seekers and Dreamers, and to my mother, Yuko Jinmaku. You taught me the meaning of Beauty, Grace and Strength. I still miss you.
Health, Harmony, Healing and Hope,"
Heather Jinmaku
May 2005
A beautiful day to be amongst the trees... :) October 12, 2007
***A note about Heather's policy concerning adding MySpace Friends: This is strictly a G (or at most, PG) rated site, intended for the sharing of music! While Heather deeply appreciates freedom of expression, and recognizes that every individual has a right to choose their own image and lifestyle, no friend will be added whose profile photo is not appropriate for all ages and all eyes. This policy extends to not only images, but related text as well. If at any time it is discovered that an existing profile photo/text has been changed and the content is no longer appropriate, that profile will be removed from the friend's list. This is a way to help make Heather's MySpace a safe, welcoming place for all visitors!
Also, I really enjoy all of the messages you send and comments you make, and I will respond and comment back when I can! However, if I sense that people are just sending me random, unrelated comments day after day simply for the sake of doing so, I may choose to not approve those comments.
Sorry I wasn't able to make it up to Uncle Gary's to visit with you all...I'm at the beach this weekend...Hope to see you sometime soon though...I miss you lots. Love~ ME
Good to have you as a friend! So great to see the internet in action this way, shortening distances between people.
I hope all's well with you and that you enjoy checking out my web site some time.
For occasional, new, refreshing, insightful and (possibly?!) valuable content, I encourage you to sign up for my free newsfeed/email newsletter (using the form on site at page right - high quality, low quantity, no spam!).
You might enjoy watching some of my films (use the on screen controls to skip between them):
Great thanks for comment and support! We wish you a MERRY CHRISTMAS and a HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!=)) Keep On Listening!!!! The Official Otto Notman's FANSITE=)