Just a quick note to tell everyone about the fantastic performance by C.O.E.D. (Chronicles of Every Diva), the band comprised of Sheila E., Kat Dyson, Rhonda Smith, and keyboardist Cassandra O'Neal, at the Blue Note Tokyo this past weekend. Saxophone player Mindi Abair joined them for this tour. I went to their final show on Monday night and it was phenomenal. They opened with "Glamorous Life" and Sheila was as spectacular as ever on the percussion. They covered "Black or White" by MJ and "Alphabet Street" by Prince, did some instrumental jams to show off their talents, and did several other cuts including a song called "Real Man" with Kat on the lead, a smokin' cover of "Don't Know Why" (Norah) with Cassandra taking it to a gospel finish, and a cover of Graham Central Station's "Pow" with Rhonda giving her mentor Larry some real competition on the bass. The venue served a brand of beer called COEDO and a special cocktail for the group. Fans who ordered the cocktail got a set of sticks from Sheila. The vibe was warm, loving and truly inspirational. As an encore they performed an original ballad called "Heart Song," with all five members seated and singing to a backing track. This was composed exclusively for fans in Japan and included along with a few other audio files on a USB drive sold at the Blue Note counter. They signed autographs and posed for pics after the show and said they'll be back soon. Hope so!

When are they going to play in NYC?!