Insiders' Music Spotlight: Sharon Itoi

By Felecia Ford

Hit maker in the making, Japanese-Mexican performer, Sharon Itoi,  is an accomplished keyboardist, singer, composer and arranger living in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico.  

Sharon was classically trained since she was a very young girl in Japan.  When she was 12 years of age her family moved to Mexico. In University she focused on classical piano performance at the University of Guanajuato and then later she specialized in Jazz Studies at the University of Veracruz - JazzUV.  Over the years, Sharon discovered many styles that have kept her interest and stoked her fire and desire for music.  

Sharon and I met through our mutual friend, San Miguel de Allende songbird, Gabriela Espinosa.  I heard the two of them play and sing together multiple times throughout the last three years and I am always inspired by their seamless, tight harmonies and musicianship.  What stands out as well is how they serve the song, yet genuinely bring a fresh new approach to standards and covers re-imagined.  What I’m most excited about though is that they are writing music together and expanding their original repertoires.  I think it’s safe to say that they are not only great friends but they also spark each other’s creative energy to the max. 

FF: I hear that you recently were on tour with one of your bands, Lumina Soul and just returned from California Sur.  Will you share with us the highlight of your multiple gig tour. 

SI:  This trip to Baja California Sur inspired us to compose the music we long for and we are very happy to have had the opportunity to collaborate with the great local musicians there. The highlight was recording our music at Panteón 19 studio.  

FF:  That’s so great, congratulations. I can’t wait to hear it! Where is Panteon 19 Studio located?SI: In Todos Santos, Baja California Sur 

FF: Who are the musicians you worked with in the studio?

SI:  Gabby and I worked with Trevor Parks - engineer, guitarist and producer; Hernan Lemus-percussion; Mariano Refojos-engineer and drums; Carlos de Santos-sax, David Cantoni-Sax and Gerardo Argumedo on bass, and Ruben Olvéra.

FF: Does the abum have a name yet? 

SI:  Not yet! It’s a surprise!  

FF:  When will it be released to the public and where?  

SI: We will release it in July and make a concert in San Miguel (to be announced) and then hopefully tour in support of our album.

FF:  It’s so exciting to hear that you and Gabriela are releasing original music!  You are both in several bands, what are they called? 

SI: One is the original music project we were just on tour with and in the studio which is called Lumina Soul which is a mix of R&B, Soul with funky, neo-soul grooves. Another is called, Soul Tide which is a psychedelic jazz influenced band with a funky soulful sound.  Also, we have The Lixious Music Band and an all female project called Las Musas. 

FF:  Very cool.  Are there any plans to play out live this month in San Miguel de Allende and if so with whom are you playing?   

SI: I’m going to be back at Hotel Numu with Gabriela Espinosa and special guests on Fridays in June and July at 7:00 p.m. and June and July at Hotel Habitas with Gabriela and special guests for brunch on Sundays at 10:30 a.m.  

FF:  We do love hearing you live but if we want to hear you at home where do we find your music to stream or download?

SI:  I have a few recordings on Spotify with another project but please stay tuned for what we are planning and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.   

FF:  Okay, thank you so much for this interview and for sharing with our readers about you and your new projects. Is there anything else that you would like to say to your audience here in San Miguel and beyond

SI:  I am very grateful for receiving all the love from San Miguel in these years. In these past months that I’ve been gone, I have missed the people in San Miguel with whom we have shared music and experiences but I will see you soon and we will continue enjoying the music and the affection.

FF:  Beautiful Sharon.  Before you go, will you tell us how to connect with you on social media please? 

SI:  On my Instagram - Sharon.Itoi. 

Sharon Itoi

instagram.com/sharon.itoi

facebook.com/sharon.itoi

Soul Tide: instagram.com/soultide_music

Felecia Ford is a an accomplished musician, singer and composer. She plays regularly in San Miguel de Allendeinstagram.com/felecia_ford_music