Takaaki

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.

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.

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.

A New York based Japanese jazz vocalist, Mamiko Taira has been always a cloud pleaser. Author of “the Color of Water,” James McBride describes her “She is the kind musicians love to play with and audiences love to appreciate… she is a standout…” Her mentor, Mark Murphy quotes “She is a talent in the art of vocal jazz.”

Mamiko began studying music at the age of eight with a local piano teacher. At the age of sixteen, she went to a private music school to major piano studied with Fumio Itabashi. Itabashi noticed her vocal quality immediately and suggested her to be a singer. In 1988, she moved to Philadelphia to study Jazz Voice at Temple University. Eventually she emerged into the Philly music scene. After graduating in 1992 she performed in Philly until her return to Tokyo in the fall of 1993. Back at home she has performed extensively in the Tokyo metropolitan area between 1993 through 1998. In 1994 she won the grand prize at the Asakusa Jazz Festival Competition. She was invited to sing at the Manly Jazz Festival (Manly, Australia) in 1994 and 1996. In 1999, Mamiko moved to New York. She was a finalist at the Third Annual Jazzconnect Jazz Vocal Competition in 2002. Out of 197 singers from around the world, Mamiko took 3rd place. She also toured with James McBride group in 2003 visited 30 cities and 54 venues nationally. She continues to perform in New York vicinity and beyond.

In May 2012, she has released her debut album, “and it begins” from Japanese independent jazz label, D-musica. The album presents 9 songs including 2 Japanese pops performed with Toru Dodo (piano), who co-produced the album with her. Then, she began its CD release tour from Japan in October 2012 and concluded in New York Blue Note in January 2013.

The second leader album, “Heart’s Calling” came out in June 2015 from D-musica’s sister label, D-neo. This album was recorded in Japan with her Japanese quartet, Jun Furuya (piano), Daiki Yasukagawa (bass), and Ryo Shibata (drums) featuring Miki Hirose (trumpet), Akihiro Yoshimoto (saxes & flute) and Yuu Uesugi (trombone). It contains 10 songs in various musical settings from duo to septet. Japanese critics has raved about her creative approach and the band sound in “Heart’s Calling” as well as her musical uniqueness and growth. CD release tour in November was finished with success visiting 5 cities in 8 venues.

In January 2016, her debut album, “and it begins” was relaunched distributing in MP3 and now available through online retailers worldwide.

Mamiko is a legal resident of New York City, and available for performing opportunities in New York Metro area and beyond.

“The emerging jazz pianist in New York City (2013)” Takeshi Asai has actively been performing in Europe, Asia and the the United States for the last ten years. Authentic yet eclectic, his piano style has been acclaimed for the highest artistry and the catchiness, which you can find in any pieces he plays, whether it’s his original or a standard. In fact, his latest CD “Takeshi Asai French Trio Vol. 1” which was recorded in France in 2013, was praised for the sophistication and the eclecticism, “A fresh perspective,... jazz, classical and pop that is combined in a way that is fresh and extremely musical."