Musicwoman Magazine 2019

Sandra Kaye, a Jazz Vocalist in Asia

by Erin Peng

Asia was all Iexpected andmore. Kyoto, one of Japan’s most beautiful cities had a small-town, luxurious feel with lovely shops all around. You could smell the food and they specialized in presenting it in the most appetizing way. The love for music is everywhere and Jazz is King!

I performed at a small club in Kyoto that boasted of having a great audience no matter what day of the week it was. They enjoyed my traditional style of Jazz. I have been told by many guests that my sound and style was not heard much these days and they appreciated it very much. You could hear a pin drop in any Japanese jazz club. They came to hear the music and showed their appreciation.

China is where everyone must go at least once. Just be very careful because the form “Shop ‘til you Drop” can be your reality if you start to get to know the place. I played the most popular Jazz spots in China. I had a well-rounded experience. I played with great musicians from the Island of Mauritius. These people havea most exoticlookand, if youlookclosely, you might mistakethemfor African Americans. Many are great musicians with the songbook memorized.

The music is well-received in Asian tourist places like five-star hotels. However, the experience is different in local clubs, where the patrons are not as interested in the music. They take pictures and talk on their phones during the performances. I have even seen a show going on at a table while I was performing.

Thailandisanother placeinAsiatoshopall day. IenjoyedThailandand wouldgo there,again. Iplayed a small supper club with an amazing atmosphere and a huge movie screen in the backyard. Any night of the week you could sit out and enjoy concerts of jazz greats. The first film I viewed in Thailand was with Nat King Cole on a bigger-than-life screen. TheThai people were very pleased with their concept. The club was a happening place. I performed with local musicians who knew their craft very well and, together, we represented jazz in style.

Kui Peng (aka Erin)wasbornand raised inShanghai,China. Sheisalogistics professional with international experience in purchasing, import/export, warehousing, security, facilities planning, staff management, and cost controls. After college, she worked as a logistics manager in a multiinternational company in Shanghai, before moving to the USA to pursue her career. She received her Bachelor’s in Transportation and Logistics and an MBA from the University of North Florida. She is a member of Certified in Transportation & Logistics from the American Society of Transportation and Logistics. She developed and implemented a Department of Transportation driver’s compliance program which brought the company from 0% to 100% compliance.Erinisintelligent,energetic,outgoing,andeasy-goingwithagreat love for animals. She is a licensed accountant, customs broker, and entertainment agent. With her wide range of work experience from logistics and retail to relocation of companies, she started a new career in the entertainment business. She is the co-owner of World Entertainers Booking Entertainment Specialist Team Agency, LTD. based in Hong Kong, China (www.webestagency.com).