Takaaki

For ten years, New York-based jazz pianist, composer, and recording artist Takeshi Asai has been dazzling audiences in New York, Paris, Tokyo, and other major cities around the world. As a passionate solo pianist and leader of ensembles such as French Trio and New York Trio—among others—Takeshi has released 12 albums. The Jazz Times recently noted that his concerts are always filled with “communion[s] of tender affection,” with other critics acclaiming Takeshi as a “brilliant composer and performer" with “extraordinary artistry, impressive and unlimited virtuosity.” His dazzling piano improvisation and sophisticated compositions have identified Takeshi as a unique talent and set him apart in today’s international jazz scene.

Drummer Jordan Young shines his light with his new record, Jazz Jukebox (Posi-Tone, 2016). The album features Brian Charette on organ, Matt Chertkoff on guitar, and Nick Hempton on sax. In recent years, Young has had steady weekly gigs at New York’s Authentic Bar B Flat, which the group has honed their sound. While rooted in the jazz tradition, the musicians come together to form and create a modern organ group sound. Their range of influences creates a deep and di- verse musical palette that is naturally inspired by classic 1960s organists such as Jimmy Smith, Jack McDuff, Larry Young and Melvin Rhyne, to name a few. Influences from non jazz artists such as the Beatles, Jim Croce, and 70’s TV composer Charles Fox contribute to the creation of a sound on this album that is well-rounded and appealing to many diverse audiences.

Born in Detroit, Michigan in 1978, music was always a continuous presence in Young's upbringing. His earliest musical influences came from his mother's vast record collection and the music all around him. He began to play drums at age ten, immediately falling in love with the instrument. As soon as he was good enough, he started playing in local rock, punk and heavy metal bands. His first experience playing jazz was in his high school jazz band, where he was first chair all four years. His exposure to a variety of styles at an early age helped him to become the versatile and creative musician he is today.

Young attended the Jazz Studies Program at The University of Michigan, and attended many jam sessions in the Metro-Detroit Area, which led to gigs with Detroit jazz legends Donald Walden, Marcus Belgrave, Teddy Harris, Jr., James Carter, and Rodney Whitaker. Meanwhile, at the U of M, Young was taken under the wing of world-renowned drummer and composer, Gerald Cleaver. Studying with Cleaver, Young really began to dig deep into world of jazz drumming, absorbing him- self in the music of master drummers like Art Blakey, Jimmy Cobb, and “Philly” Joe Jones.

Young moved to New York City and has been an active part of the NYC jazz scene, studying with world class educator John Riley, and earning his masters from Manhattan School of Music. Young has two previous albums (Jordan Young Group in 2010 and Cymbal Melodies in 2012) that were very well received by the jazz press. Recently, Young has been a member of Juilliard Artist jazz en- semble, and has taken part in the prestigious Artist Diploma program at The Juilliard School, which travels the world representing the school. It was here where he began to learn under the tutelage of the great Wynton Marsalis. In late 2015, Young did a U.S. Embassy state tour with vocalist Gabrielle Stravelli through the organization called "American Voices,” which included international shows and clinics in Moldova, Azerbaijan, Slovania and Malta.

Young maintains an active private teaching studio in Brooklyn, NY, and continues to travel the world as a bandleader and sideman. today.

Drummer Jordan Young shines his light with his new record, Jazz Jukebox (Posi-Tone, 2016). The album features Brian Charette on organ, Matt Chertkoff on guitar, and Nick Hempton on sax. In recent years, Young has had steady weekly gigs at New York’s Authentic Bar B Flat, which the group has honed their sound. While rooted in the jazz tradition, the musicians come together to form and create a modern organ group sound. Their range of influences creates a deep and di- verse musical palette that is naturally inspired by classic 1960s organists such as Jimmy Smith, Jack McDuff, Larry Young and Melvin Rhyne, to name a few. Influences from non jazz artists such as the Beatles, Jim Croce, and 70’s TV composer Charles Fox contribute to the creation of a sound on this album that is well-rounded and appealing to many diverse audiences.

Born in Detroit, Michigan in 1978, music was always a continuous presence in Young's upbringing. His earliest musical influences came from his mother's vast record collection and the music all around him. He began to play drums at age ten, immediately falling in love with the instrument. As soon as he was good enough, he started playing in local rock, punk and heavy metal bands. His first experience playing jazz was in his high school jazz band, where he was first chair all four years. His exposure to a variety of styles at an early age helped him to become the versatile and creative musician he is today.

Young attended the Jazz Studies Program at The University of Michigan, and attended many jam sessions in the Metro-Detroit Area, which led to gigs with Detroit jazz legends Donald Walden, Marcus Belgrave, Teddy Harris, Jr., James Carter, and Rodney Whitaker. Meanwhile, at the U of M, Young was taken under the wing of world-renowned drummer and composer, Gerald Cleaver. Studying with Cleaver, Young really began to dig deep into world of jazz drumming, absorbing him- self in the music of master drummers like Art Blakey, Jimmy Cobb, and “Philly” Joe Jones.

Young moved to New York City and has been an active part of the NYC jazz scene, studying with world class educator John Riley, and earning his masters from Manhattan School of Music. Young has two previous albums (Jordan Young Group in 2010 and Cymbal Melodies in 2012) that were very well received by the jazz press. Recently, Young has been a member of Juilliard Artist jazz en- semble, and has taken part in the prestigious Artist Diploma program at The Juilliard School, which travels the world representing the school. It was here where he began to learn under the tutelage of the great Wynton Marsalis. In late 2015, Young did a U.S. Embassy state tour with vocalist Gabrielle Stravelli through the organization called "American Voices,” which included international shows and clinics in Moldova, Azerbaijan, Slovania and Malta.

Young maintains an active private teaching studio in Brooklyn, NY, and continues to travel the world as a bandleader and sideman.

Drummer Jordan Young shines his light with his new record, Jazz Jukebox (Posi-Tone, 2016). The album features Brian Charette on organ, Matt Chertkoff on guitar, and Nick Hempton on sax. In recent years, Young has had steady weekly gigs at New York’s Authentic Bar B Flat, which the group has honed their sound. While rooted in the jazz tradition, the musicians come together to form and create a modern organ group sound. Their range of influences creates a deep and di- verse musical palette that is naturally inspired by classic 1960s organists such as Jimmy Smith, Jack McDuff, Larry Young and Melvin Rhyne, to name a few. Influences from non jazz artists such as the Beatles, Jim Croce, and 70’s TV composer Charles Fox contribute to the creation of a sound on this album that is well-rounded and appealing to many diverse audiences.

Born in Detroit, Michigan in 1978, music was always a continuous presence in Young's upbringing. His earliest musical influences came from his mother's vast record collection and the music all around him. He began to play drums at age ten, immediately falling in love with the instrument. As soon as he was good enough, he started playing in local rock, punk and heavy metal bands. His first experience playing jazz was in his high school jazz band, where he was first chair all four years. His exposure to a variety of styles at an early age helped him to become the versatile and creative musician he is today.

Young attended the Jazz Studies Program at The University of Michigan, and attended many jam sessions in the Metro-Detroit Area, which led to gigs with Detroit jazz legends Donald Walden, Marcus Belgrave, Teddy Harris, Jr., James Carter, and Rodney Whitaker. Meanwhile, at the U of M, Young was taken under the wing of world-renowned drummer and composer, Gerald Cleaver. Studying with Cleaver, Young really began to dig deep into world of jazz drumming, absorbing him- self in the music of master drummers like Art Blakey, Jimmy Cobb, and “Philly” Joe Jones.

Young moved to New York City and has been an active part of the NYC jazz scene, studying with world class educator John Riley, and earning his masters from Manhattan School of Music. Young has two previous albums (Jordan Young Group in 2010 and Cymbal Melodies in 2012) that were very well received by the jazz press. Recently, Young has been a member of Juilliard Artist jazz en- semble, and has taken part in the prestigious Artist Diploma program at The Juilliard School, which travels the world representing the school. It was here where he began to learn under the tutelage of the great Wynton Marsalis. In late 2015, Young did a U.S. Embassy state tour with vocalist Gabrielle Stravelli through the organization called "American Voices,” which included international shows and clinics in Moldova, Azerbaijan, Slovania and Malta.

Young maintains an active private teaching studio in Brooklyn, NY, and continues to travel the world as a bandleader and sideman.

For ten years, New York-based jazz pianist, composer, and recording artist Takeshi Asai has been dazzling audiences in New York, Paris, Tokyo, and other major cities around the world. As a passionate solo pianist and leader of ensembles such as French Trio and New York Trio—among others—Takeshi has released 12 albums. The Jazz Times recently noted that his concerts are always filled with “communion[s] of tender affection,” with other critics acclaiming Takeshi as a “brilliant composer and performer" with “extraordinary artistry, impressive and unlimited virtuosity.” His dazzling piano improvisation and sophisticated compositions have identified Takeshi as a unique talent and set him apart in today’s international jazz scene.

Drummer Jordan Young shines his light with his new record, Jazz Jukebox (Posi-Tone, 2016). The album features Brian Charette on organ, Matt Chertkoff on guitar, and Nick Hempton on sax. In recent years, Young has had steady weekly gigs at New York’s Authentic Bar B Flat, which the group has honed their sound. While rooted in the jazz tradition, the musicians come together to form and create a modern organ group sound. Their range of influences creates a deep and di- verse musical palette that is naturally inspired by classic 1960s organists such as Jimmy Smith, Jack McDuff, Larry Young and Melvin Rhyne, to name a few. Influences from non jazz artists such as the Beatles, Jim Croce, and 70’s TV composer Charles Fox contribute to the creation of a sound on this album that is well-rounded and appealing to many diverse audiences.

Born in Detroit, Michigan in 1978, music was always a continuous presence in Young's upbringing. His earliest musical influences came from his mother's vast record collection and the music all around him. He began to play drums at age ten, immediately falling in love with the instrument. As soon as he was good enough, he started playing in local rock, punk and heavy metal bands. His first experience playing jazz was in his high school jazz band, where he was first chair all four years. His exposure to a variety of styles at an early age helped him to become the versatile and creative musician he is today.

Young attended the Jazz Studies Program at The University of Michigan, and attended many jam sessions in the Metro-Detroit Area, which led to gigs with Detroit jazz legends Donald Walden, Marcus Belgrave, Teddy Harris, Jr., James Carter, and Rodney Whitaker. Meanwhile, at the U of M, Young was taken under the wing of world-renowned drummer and composer, Gerald Cleaver. Studying with Cleaver, Young really began to dig deep into world of jazz drumming, absorbing him- self in the music of master drummers like Art Blakey, Jimmy Cobb, and “Philly” Joe Jones.

Young moved to New York City and has been an active part of the NYC jazz scene, studying with world class educator John Riley, and earning his masters from Manhattan School of Music. Young has two previous albums (Jordan Young Group in 2010 and Cymbal Melodies in 2012) that were very well received by the jazz press. Recently, Young has been a member of Juilliard Artist jazz en- semble, and has taken part in the prestigious Artist Diploma program at The Juilliard School, which travels the world representing the school. It was here where he began to learn under the tutelage of the great Wynton Marsalis. In late 2015, Young did a U.S. Embassy state tour with vocalist Gabrielle Stravelli through the organization called "American Voices,” which included international shows and clinics in Moldova, Azerbaijan, Slovania and Malta.

Young maintains an active private teaching studio in Brooklyn, NY, and continues to travel the world as a bandleader and sideman.

Yvonnick was born in Paris, France on January 19. He began as a guitarist, later switching to the diatonic harmonica, and eventually settling on the chromatic harmonica as his primary instrument. He first began playing the harmonica professionally in Parisian clubs at 17, then started his studies at Sorbonne University, from which he received a master’s degree in music (2011). While still enrolled at the Sorbonne, Prené relocated to New York City and was awarded multiple full-tuition scholarships at The City College of New York, (MICEFA, 2007), Columbia University (Alliance Program, 2008) and at the New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music (Merit-Based Scholarship, 2009) where he had the opportunity to study with Lee Konitz and Reggie Workman among others. In 2012 he earned a bachelor’s degree in music from The New School for Jazz & Contemporary Music.

He has performed and recorded with a wide range of artists, including Donald Brown, Klingande, Romeo Santos, Peter Bernstein, Scott Tixier,Gene Bertoncini, Rich Perry, Steve Cardenas, Jon Cowherd, Nate Smith, Ira Coleman,Thomas Enhco, Luques Curtis, Justin Brown, Donald Edwards, Lorin Cohen, Mike Moreno, Jared Gold, Laurent Cugny, Cyrille Aimée, Alexandre Tassel, Yaron Herman, Laurent de Wilde, Ryan Cohan, Victor Provost among many others. Yvonnick has played at Blue Note Jazz Club,^[1] at the Iridium Jazz Club,^[2] at Birdland (New York jazz club)^[3] at Bern Jazz Festival (Switzerland), Lamentin Jazz Festival (Martinique), Festival Emoi du Jazz  (Cote d’Ivoire), Green Mill Cocktail Lounge,^[4] at Jazz in Marciac, Jazz on Ubaye, Jazz Sur Seine Festival, at Le Duc des Lombards (France).

Yvonnick is the founder of New York Harmonica School,the first harmonica school in NYC. Yvonnick is currently based in Manhattan, New York.

For ten years, New York-based jazz pianist, composer, and recording artist Takeshi Asai has been dazzling audiences in New York, Paris, Tokyo, and other major cities around the world. As a passionate solo pianist and leader of ensembles such as French Trio and New York Trio—among others—Takeshi has released 12 albums. The Jazz Times recently noted that his concerts are always filled with “communion[s] of tender affection,” with other critics acclaiming Takeshi as a “brilliant composer and performer" with “extraordinary artistry, impressive and unlimited virtuosity.” His dazzling piano improvisation and sophisticated compositions have identified Takeshi as a unique talent and set him apart in today’s international jazz scene.

For ten years, New York-based jazz pianist, composer, and recording artist Takeshi Asai has been dazzling audiences in New York, Paris, Tokyo, and other major cities around the world. As a passionate solo pianist and leader of ensembles such as French Trio and New York Trio—among others—Takeshi has released 12 albums. The Jazz Times recently noted that his concerts are always filled with “communion[s] of tender affection,” with other critics acclaiming Takeshi as a “brilliant composer and performer" with “extraordinary artistry, impressive and unlimited virtuosity.” His dazzling piano improvisation and sophisticated compositions have identified Takeshi as a unique talent and set him apart in today’s international jazz scene.

RICHARD HUNTLEY’S TRIKANASANA

FEATURING JERRY Z AND DAVID AMBROSIO

Drummer Richard Huntley’s trio Trikanasana combines the hard swinging Hammond B3 of Jerry Z and the supple acoustic bass of David Ambrosio to forge a new trio music, with elements of funk, classic organ jazz, and Cuban music, combined in an organic and grooving fashion.

Collectively the members have played with many jazz and pop luminaries including:  Mulgrew Miller, Jerry Gonzalez, The Headhunters, Melvin Sparks, George Garzone, Kenny Werner, and many others.