Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on April 2011

Quintessential jazz singer Cassandra Wilson tows her new album Silver Pony to town for two dates at Tokyo’s poshest supper club. Wilson’s new disc was influenced by her recent move to New Orleans’ legendary French Quarter, as well as by the loss of her mother to Alzheimer’s disease in 2009. Amid the blues and sense of loss that reflect Wilson’s Southern roots, the album also bears the imprint of touring in Spain, where some of the tracks were recorded live. Many of the band members who accompanied her in Spain are making the trip to Billboard Live.

Billboard Live, May 4-5. See concert listings (jazz/world) for details.