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.

Miyoko is a self taught jazz & world music singer originally from Osaka Japan. She is a founder/ manager of jazz cafe called SUB in Osaka, where she also started singing jazz standards. SUB was a local club, but also it was a hang out spot for jazz legends after their concert in Osaka, Miyoko met Freddy Hubbard, Reggie Workman, Gary Peacock, Terumasa and Motohiko Hino to name a few.

Miyoko moved to New York about 40 years ago, her dream was to become a singer like Billy Holiday who can express the soul and feelings. Although the life wasn’t easy, she was singing in NY while working in the restaurant, eventually she met her husband there and opened Japanese Restaurant together in Rockland County and raised her daughter. The restaurant became popular, and she started another business, but she lost everything because of the flood.

After that incident, she had to say goodbye for her mother, then her daughter gave her a grand daughter. She also met a soulmate “Akko” the cat. Miyoko found that Akko’s sympathy heals her, which gave Miyoko courage to start singing as a professional singer to tell a beauty of life.

Miyoko started the project Song Sparrow in 2016, which uniquely combines jazz and Japanese traditional music with soulfulness and expression of the freedom. It is the form of her life itself that strongly rooted in Japanese soul as well as expressing her two thirds life spent as a “very happy New Yorker”.

While resides in New York City, Miyoko recorded her first album “Emergence” in 2005 with a pianist Jim West, Don Pate, a bassist for Sonny Rollins, and Clifford Barbaro, a drummer for Betty Carter. Also she had performed with Christopher Dean Sullivan, Bill Pernice,Wayne Cobham, Ed Cherry, Lawrence Clark, Darrell Green, and many other great musicians.

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. 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.

Shailah began writing poetry as a child in Portland, Oregon. She continued while living in in Paris, and traveling the world as a model. Her music career began by co-writing a song for famed R&B artist, Betty Wright (of Clean Up woman), and composing original tunes. After being selected to be a featured guest singer, with the legendary Lionel Hampton, Shailah's singing career blossomed, and led her to sing with Fred Schneider (of B52's) solo album, lead singer of Shayla & The Shaylettes Motown Revue, and various other New York local artists. Before finally leaving Paris, Shailah opened for Sydney Youngblood at the Olympia Stadium, and has since toured with the Marvelettes, doing lead and background, in the USA.

Having a father as a jazz aficionado, Shailah grew up listening to all the jazz greats, and has come full circle, once again enjoying this great genre of music, as expressed in her recently released CD “Moonlight Magic”. (see music page)

As a former model, she has settled into the jazz world with the grace and style she brought to the runway, performing classic standards with incredible phrasing and beautiful, sultry vocals, enjoyed at several venues throughout the New York Metropolitan area.

She is currently kept busy as lead singer of her Motown and jazz bands, and as a professional impersonator of Tina Turner and Whitney Houston.

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.

“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."

Michi Fuji was born in Toyota City, Aichi Japan. Started playing the violin at the age of 3. After graduating from Sugiyama jogakuen Senior High School, she attended Aichi Prefectural University of Fine Arts and Music, graduated with a Bachelor Degree of Fine Arts and Instrumental Music. After graduation, Michi completed one additional year of Post Undergraduate Studies at Aichi Prefectural University of Fine Arts and Music majoring in Violin Research. During this period of time, Michi became a member of the Aichi Chamber Orchestra. In 2008, Michi moved to New York to continue her musical studies at the New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music where she studied with Junior Mance. Upon graduating from the New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music, Michi became a permanent member of the Junior Mance Trio and has toured with him extensively throughout the world. Michi is featured on Junior Mance’s latest CD, “ The Three of Us” which was released in 2012. In addition, Michi released her first CD “ Flight No.822 “ in 2008.

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.

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.

Misa Ogasawara graduated in 1992 from Musashino Academia Musicae as a piano major. 
After performing as a singer and songwriter in Japan, she came to New York in 1996 and has since been performing at various venues, including Joe's Pub, Tomi Jazz, Domaine Bar a Vins, The Apollo Theatre, City Center, Carnegie Hall, and Lincoln Center.
She also has directed, composed, and arranged music for theatre and dance pieces.

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.