Singer-songwriter Becca Stevens is releasing her first solo album in four years. In anticipation of the release, a premium live performance will be held over two days at BLUE NOTE PLACE. Keep an eye on her as she achieves further evolution with her powerful sound, delicate lyrics, and overwhelming performance.

Becca Stevens, a singer-songwriter and guitarist from North Carolina, is known for her unique style that fuses elements of folk, jazz, and pop. Combined with her overwhelming expressive power, she captivates a wide audience.

Raised in a musical family, she cultivated a foundation in classical and Appalachian folk music. After majoring in classical guitar at the North Carolina School of the Arts, she enrolled in the jazz and contemporary music program at "The New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music" in New York, where she studied jazz and composition.

In 2006, she formed the Becca Stevens Band with friends from school and released her debut work, "Tea By Sea," in 2008. Hailed at the time as "New York's best-kept secret," she then began her career as a professional musician.

Her compositions, inspired by rhythms and harmonies from jazz, pop, indie rock, folk, and world music, feature complex chord progressions and rhythmic patterns. With her unique, linear song structures, advanced technique on multiple string instruments, exceptional vocal skills, and delicate lyrics, she is expanding the boundaries of the contemporary jazz scene.

She is also active in collaborations with other artists, with recent projects including a duo with Elan Mehler (2019), The Secret Trio (2021), and the Attacca Quartet (2022).

"Maple to Paper," to be released now, is her first original solo album in four years since "Wonderbloom" in 2020.

This work transforms two significant life changes since 2022—the death of her mother and the birth of her daughter—along with the passing of her confidant and collaborator David Crosby, into artistic expression. While her previous albums were strongly communal in nature, this is the first time she has produced an album entirely on her own. It is a collection filled with her philosophy, thoughts, and emotions.

The songs are characterized by a sound where minimalism and emotion progress simultaneously. Her renowned guitar work is strongly influenced by her roots in Appalachian folk, and combined with her expressive, soaring vocals, it creates an emotional and powerful taste.

The lyrics primarily address themes such as the loss and memories felt from her mother's death, the endearing confusion of maternal love, and the transformation of things, symbolized by "maple turning to paper" as mentioned in the title.

For example, the opening track and first single, "Now Feels Bigger than the Past," touches on the challenges of being an artist in today's streaming world and personal struggles, while also serving as a prologue to the album, singing about "the loss/acceptance of my mother / the emotions of life / artistry."

In late August 2024, she is scheduled for her first performance in Japan in seven years at BLUE NOTE PLACE. This premium live event will take place just before the album's release. She values the sense of unity with the audience during live performances. This concert is sure to deliver a passionate and emotional stage.

Japan Tour BECCA STEVENS Solo "Maple to Paper"
Dates | Saturday, August 24 & Sunday, August 25, 2024
Venue | BLUE NOTE PLACE
Inside Yebisu Garden Place, 4-20-4 Ebisu, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
＜August 24＞
Open: 18:00
LIVE:
19:00~
*One set only, performance approximately 75 minutes.
Music Selector: 18:00-22:00
*Outside of live performance times, enjoy music from our music selector.
Close: 23:00 (Food last order 21:00 / Drink last order 22:30)

＜August 25＞
Open: 18:00
LIVE:
19:00~
*One set only, performance approximately 75 minutes.
Music Selector: 18:00-22:00
*Outside of live performance times, enjoy music from our music selector.
Close: 22:30 (Food last order 21:00 / Drink last order 22:00)

*A table charge of ¥1,100 (tax included) and a separate music charge of ¥6,600 (tax included) will apply.
TOTAL ¥7,700 (tax included) *Prices are per person.

Becca Stevens "Maple to Paper" (Commemorative Japan Edition / Japanese Bonus Track)
List Price: ¥2,750
Liner Notes: Kentaro Takahashi / Lyrics Translation: Kazumi Someya (Original Songs Only)
The Japanese CD includes lyrics and translations. Track 13 is a cover of "Rainbow Connection," originally from the 1979 film "The Muppet Movie" (music by Paul Williams & Kenny Ascher), known for its renditions by artists like The Carpenters.
Contents:
1. Now Feels Bigger than the Past
Now Feels Bigger than the Past
2. Shoulda Been There for Me
Shoulda Been There for Me
3. I’m Not Her
I’m Not Her
4. Hey, Bear
Hey, Bear
5. How to Listen
How to Listen
6. So Many Angels
So Many Angels
7. Wild Eyes Open
Wild Eyes Open
8. Maple to Paper
Maple to Paper
9. If I Die Before You
If I Die Before You
10. Someone Else Again
Someone Else Again
11. Beast of a Song
Beast of a Song
12. Payin’ to be Apart
Payin’ to be Apart
13. Rainbow Connection
Rainbow Connection
【Japanese Edition Bonus Track】
14. The Fool Will Stay
The Fool Will Stay