Racer Session #560 | Walter Cano / Jun Iida Duo | Sunday March 5th, 2023 at 7pm

*Apologies for the funny-looking video; we don't know why that happened!

Greetings, Racers!

This Sunday we've got the wonderful Walter Cano presenting a Racer Session at 7pm, the first of two sessions curated and hosted by Jahnvi Madan!

Walter Cano is an award nominated jazz musician, seasoned music educator and composer/arranger based here in Seattle, WA. His professional career began during his musical education at Michigan State University, where he directed ensembles and taught private lessons. Upon graduation, he returned to his hometown in Washington state and taught high school jazz as well before focusing on jazz performance. He is currently lead trumpet for Ulysses Owens Jr. Big Band and The Jazz Orchestra at the Dr. Phillips Center. In his free time he teaches his cat new tricks. Walter is a delightful human being, rich in musicianship, and a builder/enricher of community. We're so excited to have him sharing his music! Walter will be presenting his session with fellow Seattle trumpeter Jun Iida. Read on for some words from Walter, and then make sure to find yourself at Cafe Racer for the session this Sunday at 7pm!

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“The last Racer Session I attended was roughly eleven years ago, when I was 19 years old. I remember being so intrigued by the music that I truly wanted to participate. Unfortunately, I was filled with anxiety and thoughts that my musical language would not work and did not. Now however, I am ecstatic to be able to contribute to this community and know that all voices are welcome at Racer (can you say huzzah for self-growth?!).

Joining me for my set will be the illustrious Jun Iida, who I have really enjoyed connecting with since I have returned to Seattle. We will be performing some of my original pieces for two brass, as well as a musical tribute to Wayne Shorter and Ryusuke Hamaguchi.

For the improvisations, please consider this scene from 2021’s Drive My Car. The entire film carries a melancholy but creeps forth. There are many ideas that resonate with me in this film such as aspiring to deepen one’s art, loneliness, hope, and meeting people where they are at. For much of the action of the film, there is a multinational production of Uncle Vanya being staged. The actors come from different countries and speak different languages, yet by forging a deep spirit of interconnectivity with each other and the text they find a way to put on a profound production. I wish that 19-year old me could have understood that open ears and an open heart go a long long way :)”

- Walter