Orvieto Day 4

My wonderful friend from Benin Africa, he is truly my inspiration.
When I first met him he was same student as I at Berklee College of Music, but now he is the most famous and successful Jazz Guitarist in the world who tours all over the world with his trio and also with Herbie Hancock.

http://www.lionelloueke.com/

He told me all his struggle of pursuing his career as guitar player in Africa when he was young since there is not so many professional guitarist from Africa but drummer and dancers.
Despite other's disbelief he followed his dream and now he has it!
I love him and his beautiful family so much! He is my real African brother!

With Lionel

I also was fortunate to get to know his wonderful trio members. They treated me a dinner on that day where only musicians can go! I ate Italian rabbit that night!
So there's different fame between searchable on google and findable on wikipedia
All of his trio are findable on Wikipedia level!
(I am sort of searchable on google but not Wikipedia level at all!!!)

Lionel Loueke (Guitarist and the Leader)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lionel_Loueke
Massimo Biolcati (Bass Player)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Massimo_Biolcati
Ferenc Nemeth (Drummer)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ferenc_Nemeth_(drummer)


I am so happy and thankful to be able to hang out with amazingly talented musicians and they are just extremely compassionate and nice people also.
I can't believe these famous and accomplished people all treat me like I am one of their own family! I respect and love them so much!!

Choice that I made to come to America and go to Berklee College of Music when I was 19 years old back in Japan by myself needed extreme amount of courage, doubt and anxiety. It was all worth it to think not only that I met my husband at Beklee but also I met these extraordinary friends who I can Wikipedia!! : )

Their tiro youtube link from Umbria Jazz Festival!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z6Q3vuFZabA