Koto･Shamisen･Voice
…Medusa’s Lair, from Marty Regan, left the strongest impression, and not only for being a piece for solo shamisen, played with focussed drive by Yoko Reikano Kimura. … Kimura conveyed the precise intensity of the piece, which spiraled into a well of drama. – Medusa’s Lair for solo shamisen (composed by Marty Regan) – New works push off at Bargemusic’s Hera and Now Festival
…this was the most abstract work on the program and also the most intriguing…the piece had Kimura playing graceful, carefully placed lines against audio that had a strong metrical pulse and etched rhythms. – To the Victims of Cain for solo shamisen and pre-recording (composed by Yoriaki Matsudaira) – http://newyorkclassicalreview.com/2018/09/bargemusics-here-and-now-festival-opens-with-an-evening-of-eclectic-delights/
Kimura built up a head of rhythmic steam…performed with poise and verve. – The Road for solo shamisen (composed by Yoko Sato) – http://newyorkclassicalreview.com/2017/08/women-composers-and-performers-reign-at-bargemusic/
…played with precision and deep feeling by the duo – Cantabile for koto and cello (composed by Daron Hagen) – http://newyorkclassicalreview.com/2016/09/worlds-collide-and-a-quiet-gem-stands-out-at-here-and-now-festival/
…the duo played with confident and relaxed commitment. – Not a Single Cloud Exists for shamisen and cello (composed by Yoko Sato) – http://newyorkclassicalreview.com/2016/01/schnyders-brilliant-music-sparks-rich-and-varied-here-and-now-festival/
Kimura’s voice was rich and full-bodied and easily carried over the delicate ensemble. – Yachiyo-jishi (traditional) shamisen and song – http://kcmetropolis.org/issue/november-11-2015/article/east-meets-west-in-fruitful-collaboration
Whether she was zipping through the energetic sections or tossing off the glissandi that make lyrical phrases sound like they’re floating off into the air, Kimura fit every moment into a natural flow. – Maqam for solo shamisen (composed by Marty Regan) – http://artsandculturetx.com/japanese-inspired-sonic-brush-strokes-succeed-at-aperios-season-closer/
Under Kimura’s practiced hand, there were also occasional dramatic and explosive passages. – Koto Concerto: Genji (composed by Daron Hagen) – http://www.news-gazette.com/arts-entertainment/local/2014-05-22/john-frayne-prairie-ensemble-delights-usual.html
…unexpectedly groovy – Sankyoku No.1 for shakuhachi, koto and cello (composed by James Nyoraku Schlefer) – http://www.nytimes.com/2013/08/31/arts/music/bargemusic-labor-day-festival-features-four-premieres.html
Yoko Reikano Kimura, playing the shamisen and singing, is superb – BELL (2013 Bessie Award nominated dance work | choreography, Yasuko Yokoshi) – http://www.nytimes.com/2013/03/19/arts/dance/yasuko-yokoshis-bell-at-new-york-live-arts.html