Nori Tanaka

[rpklich]

One of Chicago's better drummers is facing deportation.

blogs.chicagoreader.com/post-no-bills

[alocispepraluger102]

One of Chicago's better drummers is facing deportation.

blogs.chicagoreader.com/post-no-bills

now arent these criteria b.s.? quoted from the article:

Back in 2003 Tanaka spent more than $3,000 and more than three months gathering letters of support in order to obtain an O-1 visa, commonly referred to as an artist’s visa. He was denied. In its letter of denial and on its Web site, the INS mentions a Grammy Award as suitable proof of artistic merit; the Web site also lists, “key roles in prior major productions; significant recognition in the field by critics, etc.; major roles in productions with distinguished reputation; major commercial success; significant recognition from governmental organizations or other recognized experts, record of high salary in relation to others in the field." Of course, even the greatest jazz musicians rarely bring in a “high salary," let alone young talents who are still developing a distinctive voice.

It’s hardly news that folks who determine artistic merit are bureaucrats with little to no knowledge of the arts. In order to stay, Tanaka enrolled at Northern Illinois University, where he earned a master’s degree in “percussion pedagogy” in May of 2006. He then pursued an “optional practical training” program over the last year. Now he’s at the end of the road, and without the resources to reapply for the O-1 again he’s leaving the country. Tanaka hopes to return at some point in the near future; gaining employment through a Japanese firm is a slight possibility for him, but nothing is certain.

I just saw Tanaka play a superb duet with saxophonist Greg Ward on Wednesday at the Hideout, and it only reinforced what a loss this is for the city. Aside from the above-mentioned groups, he's also worked with the Howling Hex, the Cairo Gang, and groups led by Josh Berman, Keefe Jackson, and Ingebrigt Haaker Flaten. He’s leaving the day after his gig at Rodan, where he'll perform with A Cushicle, a trio with bassist Jason Ajemian and guitarist Jeff Parker, and video artist Selina Trepp, who's held a steady residency at the bar for years now. As usual, I’m sure he’ll play his ass off.

Edited July 24, 2007 by alocispepraluger102

[Larry Kart]

Fine drummer.

[rpklich]

The now-is.org calendar indicates that Nori Tanaka is returning to Chicago for a short stay. On one of the venues it looks like they"ll be celebrating the Smokeless Heat CD release on Delmark (the Jason Adjemian led group with T. Haldeman etc. ) - Weds at Heaven (located appropriately enough on Milwaukee Av). The cd was pretty good, I suspect that this might be one of the few opportunities to hear this group live.