It's been a few years since I last heard Yuko Mabuchi live -- I had paused live concerts early in the pandemic, and since then Yuko has expanded her appearances to national venues, beyond SoCal. So it was my delight to find her tonight at the esteemed Sierra Madre Playhouse.
Yuko played with engaging enthusiasm, choosing relatable jazz pleasers. The concert opened with her own Livin' and Lovin', an early composition that glows with serene passion. She also played her hit single Ethereal which reached #1 on the Smooth Jazz Singles (Spain and Latin America) chart. The session ended with a rousing performance of Ain't No Mountain High Enough.
Accompanying Yuko were Del Atkins on bass guitar, Peter Buck on drums, and Greg Porée on acoustic guitar. And as a special treat, well-known pianist Billy Mitchell delivered an impassioned vocal rendition of I Wish You Love.
It was a great evening.
