Destined (in my humble opinion) for greatness, Nick “Takénobu” Ogawa arranges songs that both everyday pop supporters and classical music buffs can sink their teeth into. With the catchy rhythms in “Excuse Me” paired with the moving musicianship in title track “Exposition,” “Black Stallion,” and “Geeneries” (Instrumentals), Takénobu eliminates the intimidating pomp surrounding classical music and exposes the cello as fun.
Takénobu’s first LP Introduction consisted of Folk/Bluegrass tracks, such as “Shady Grove” and “Beggars Can’t Be Choosers,” but in his March 23rd release Exposition, he experiments with his sound, as in “Darkest Before the Dawn,” creating a cutting-edge electric cello triumph.
Who: Nick Takénobu Ogawa (Cellist, Vocalist)
“I’ve played cello since I was six and had to practice every day after school, until I started liking it on my own and started branching away from classical music. I’ve been writing my own music for the last 10 years. I use a loop pedal to layer different cello parts to create different melody lines and textures and write and sing lyrics as well.”—Nick Takénobu Ogawa
What: Innovative cello music, produced independently by a talented and motivated artist
Both of Takénobu’s albums, Exposition (March 2011) and Introduction (2007), can be streamed on listen.takenobumusic.com.
When: Now
“Fishin’” is the soundtrack featured in Madison Square Art Conservancy’s video (displayed in taxi cabs in NYC this summer) promoting the new Jaumé Plensa installation.
Where: Scheduled show in Atlanta, his current residence, July 17th at The Earl
Why: Playing everything from upbeat pop to more traditional folk, Takénobu’s unique and modern perspective on the cello will alter yours.
“Takénobu: Introduction is my favorite album of 2007, and that includes all releases, major labels and independent.”—Michael Eck, Host of WAMC’s Performance Place, NPR
Nick is currently working with gifted violinists; we will wait impatiently for this upcoming collaboration.
