The Story Behind The Midnight Hour — And a Grammy Season Invitation

You may remember that Mikayla Shirley and I released The Midnight Hour this August. I wanted to share a little of how it came together.

My friendship and collaboration with the late, great Sheila Jordan spoiled me for other singers. But when Mikayla came to my trio’s regular gig at The Mad Monkfish, I was enthralled by her way with a song. Scott—my husband, drummer, and co-producer—and I knew a duo recording could be something special.

Over a year of “Midnight Sessions” at Monkfish, we shaped the music that became The Midnight Hour, then recorded it in a short, focused session at Boston’s iconic Q Division Studios. Hearing these songs come alive at sold-out appearances at Dizzy’s in New York, the Poli Club in Waterbury, and Scullers in Boston has meant so much.

With Grammy season here, we’ve put together a For Your Consideration (FYC) page, where you can listen to the album and find links to Spotify and Apple Music. I’d love for you to spend some time with the music, and if you’re a Grammy voting member, I’d be grateful for your consideration in Best Jazz Vocal Album.

Visit our FYC page and listen to The Midnight Hour

We were also recently featured in DownBeat’s “The Art of the Cover Song.” You can read it here, and here’s a short September video from our label.

Thank you for listening—and for being part of my musical life.

Warmly,
Yoko