Nobuki Takamen

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Born: May 17, 1977 Primary Instrument: Guitar

Guitarist Nobuki Takamen was born in Hiroshima, Japan in 1977. A jazz historian Scott Yanow describes him as ''an excellent improviser in his own bop-inspired style''. John Heidt of Vintage Guitar Magazine has also written about him: ''a mature player with keen sense of composition, considerable technical skill...''.

A mainstay of the New York jazz scene, Nobuki leads his own group which has toured in the USA, Canada and Europe, and appeared at festivals and jazz clubs including the Montreal Jazz Festival, the Rochester Jazz Festival, the Hartford Jazz Festival, the Medicine Hat Jazz Fest, the Calgary Jazz Festival, Blue Note NY and Iridium Jazz Club. He has also toured annually throughout Japan since 2004.

Nobuki has made two albums as a leader for What's New Records. Both his first album ''Bull's Blues'' (2006) and his second ''FROM NOW ON'' (2008), are comprised entirely of his original compositions. His 3rd album, ''Live at the Iridium'', which was released on Summit Records in 2010, presents a complete, uncut performance from a set at Iridium Jazz Club recorded two weeks after his first Canadian tour in 2009.

His upcoming 4th album entitled ''Three Wishes'', featuring original compositions of his which he wrote for his guitar trio, is to be released on Summit Records in August 2012.

Besides leading his group, Nobuki frequently performs solo and has performed solo concerts at various venues including the Montreal Jazz Festival as part of 100% Guitare in 2009.

Nobuki endorses Acoustic Image Amplifiers, Raezer's Edge Speaker Cabinets, Eventide, Reunion Blues and Taylor Acoustic Guitars.

Last Updated: April 12, 2012

''a mature player with keen sense of composition, considerable technical skill...'' John Heidt, Vintage Guitar Magazine

''Guitarist Nobuki Takamen has taken his Gibson around the world... and made his name in jazz with range from pensive to passionate!’’ the Montreal Jazz Festival

''Takamen has a consistently mellow tone and a style that ranges from relaxed to fiery.'' Scott Yanow, LA Jazz Scene

''... prodigious technique... lyrical melodies akin to James Taylor's, which sink into the mind, inviting subconscious lyric-writing from even the most casual listen.'' Dave Major, AllAboutJazz

''Takamen continues his seamless merging of lyrically- resplendent compositions, with peppery, in-the-pocket grooves.'' Glenn Astarita, JazzReview.com

''... the compositions are engaging, and the group dynamic is never less than brilliant.'' Matthew Warnock, Just Jazz Guitar

''His playing ranges from stunning to delicate, and always possesses a sense of great musicianship and taste.'' Jazz Society of Oregon

Live at the Iridium / Nobuki Takamen (Summit Records, 2010) FROM NOW ON/Nobuki Takamen (What's New Records, 2008) Bull's Blues/Nobuki Takamen (What's New Records, 2006)

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Primary Instrument:
Guitar

Location:
Jersey City, NJ

Willing to teach:
Beginners

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