Yoko Miwa and Mikayla Shirley Release New Album

Yoko Miwa and Mikayla Shirley's musical collaboration began with late-night jam sessions at The Mad Monkfish in Cambridge. These sessions formed the roots of their first recorded collaboration, The Midnight Hour.

The album's live presentation was inspired by their spontaneous performances, where they decide what to play in the moment based on factors like mood, tempo, and lyrical content. The collection includes a range of jazz and Brazilian standards, show tunes, and even a cover of The Beach Boys' "God Only Knows".

The album starts with a beautiful rendition of the Bacharach/David classic "Alfie", featuring Shirley's lush contralto and Miwa's supportive piano. The pianist's solo is heart-rending, and Shirley's conclusion is both sad and hopeful.

The connection between Miwa and Shirley is evident throughout the album, and their musical partnership has likely deepened since they started performing together. With The Midnight Hour, they offer a unique and captivating listening experience.