Japanese Jazz Piano entitled “Love Letter From Japan,” at Klavierhaus
New York, NY – Jazz enthusiasts will be treated to a month-long series of Japanese Jazz Piano entitled, “Love Letter From Japan,” at Klavierhaus, New York City’s premier fine piano showroom at 790 11th Avenue at 54th Street, New York, NY 10019.
Produced by Jim Luce and Charles Carlini, the series features the very finest Japanese pianists in New York City on Wednesdays in June. The performers include Miki Hayama on June 7, Yayoi Ikawa on June 14, Toru Dodo with special guest Alicia Olatuja on June 21, and Miki Yamanaka on June 28.
According to Jim Luce, “Our Japanese Jazz Piano Series is a celebration of the deep musical and cultural ties between Japan and New York City. We are thrilled to bring together some of the most talented Japanese pianists in the city to share their unique musical perspectives with audiences.”
The Japanese Jazz Piano Series promises to be a unique and exciting event, showcasing some of the most talented Japanese pianists in the city. Each artist will bring their own unique style and sound to the stage, creating an unforgettable experience for jazz fans.
GRAMMY-nominated pianist Miki Hayama is a highly regarded pianist known for her versatility and creativity. She studied jazz piano with the renowned Japanese Jazz pianist Sadayasu Fujii in Kyoto.
Yayoi Ikawa is a dynamic performer whose music draws from a variety of influences, including classical music and Japanese folk music. As a composer and arranger, Yayoi received commissions from the Modern Music Society of Tokyo, the Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Dance Company, and Montreal-based sculptor David Baumflek. She is a veteran of bands led by Reggie Workman, Michael Carvin, Howard Johnson, Michal Urbaniak, Butch Morris, Craig Harris, Lenny Pickett, Frank Lacy, Lonnie Plaxico, Fostina Dixon, and others. She is featured in a rare solo piano setting at 7:30 pm.
Toru Dodo
Grammy-nominated pianist Toru Dodo was born in Tokyo and started playing classical piano at age 4. He is a gifted pianist whose style is heavily influenced by the jazz greats of the past.
Singer Alicia Olatuja earned a master’s degree in classical voice and opera from the Manhattan School of Music, not to pursue a career in opera, but because she realized she “needed to get training about how to do all the things I wanted to do without hurting myself, whether gospel or jazz or R&B or classical. I like to do one opera a year to keep up with the discipline and skills.”
Miki Yamanaka
Japanese-born pianist Miki Yamanaka is a rising star in Japanese Jazz Piano in the world, known for her innovative performances and exciting compositions.
Yamanaka has gained international recognition from her albums as a leader; her most recent and most intimate release, “Stairway to the Stars” (Outside In Music), features Jazz masters Mark Turner and Orlando le Fleming.
The series showcases her vast knowledge of Jazz standards and tunes, often featuring themed offerings of various composers from both the Great American Songbook as well as iconic Jazz composers.
The Japanese Jazz Piano Series is the inaugural event of the new weekly Klavierhaus Wednesday Night Concert Series, which features curated sets of today’s most interesting Japanese Jazz Piano.
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit nycjazzpianofestival.com.
