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Takeshi Asai

“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."

Takeshi’s previous CD, “Takeshi Asai New York Trio Vol. 1” which was recorded in New York with New York’s cutting-edge jazz musicians has been reviewed as “The biggest surprise since the beginning of the year in the jazz trio category" by Robert Ratajczak, RadioJAZZ.fm. As it shows, Takeshi’s music contains both authenticity to the style of jazz in New York and the most creative styles of music coming from his cultural background, solid piano technique and the highly sophisticated composer’s mind. As a scholarship student, Takeshi has studied jazz piano performance, classical piano technique and composition at Berklee College of Music in Boston, with the notable professors such as Ed Bedner, Ed Tomassi, Joanne Brackeen and Laszlo Gardoney.

As a jazz pianist, he was the pianist/composer for the award-winning jazz ensemble, WaFoo in his early career in New York. Recently, he has been working on the international concert series called “A Tale of Three Cities - Le Conte de Trois Cités” with French pianist Catherine Schneider, and "Barbotte Asai Duo" wtih Masaé Gimbayashi-Barbotte. The duo will tour in Paris, New York, Tokyo and Kobe in 2014/2015 season. In his adapted hometown, New York, he has been working on his “phenomenal” jazz group "Takeshi Asai New York Trio" and have performed in prestigious jazz clubs such as The Kitano New York, Somethin' Jazz Club, Cleopatra's Needle, Caffe Vivaldi, Kavehaz, Drom, The Knitting Factory, Tomi Jazz, Garage, Silvana, Cafe Winberie, Glen Rock Inn, and Lenox Lounge. In Europe, Takeshi plays with his newest jazz project "Takeshi Asai French Trio" in music festivals and clubs in France for the past three years. The new CD of the trio "Takeshi Asai French Trio Vol. 1" received the highest review not only in Europe but also in New York. The trio continues to perform in Europe.

As a composer, he was the arranger and producer for a new theater project called “Hunger - A Love Story.” In 2012, he was commissioned by an internationally acclaimed piano duo, the Long Sisters and wrote a two-piano composition “Shunlai (or Spring Thunder)” to add a jazzy side to duo’s well-established repertoire. The composition was premiered in Boston’s Jordan Hall, and became a sensation. Writing pure classical music, Broadway theaters, film music, and producing singer/song-writers in New York, his schedule is always filled with a variety of music projects.

In 2012, under the concept “Genre is not a boundary,” he has established a new record label, “de trois cités records” to work with the ilk of the same creative minds to spread his musical vision. In the following year, he created a production company and named “DTC Music Productions.” Some of his film compositions have been distributed by an Italian, Rome-based company “Have a Sync” since 2013.

As a modern composer living in the digital age, he has had a keen voice in electric/digital music too, and launched a project called “le projet électrique” in 2012. He has also been collaborating with artists and photographers in France and New York, making him one of the busiest music professional in New York, Paris and Tokyo.

He currently lives in New York with his wife.

Email: [email protected] Official website: www.takeshiasai.com

Awards

Council of Arts and Humanities in Staten Island (COAHSI) Premiere Grant (2004 - 2012) COAHSI Encore Grant (2005 - 2012) Puffin Grant (2004) Chamber Music America (CMA) Residency Program Grant (2006)

Gear

Keyboard: Yamaha C7 (7-foot Grand Piano), Nord Stage 2, Yamaha P-33 & Axiom Pro 61 Electric Guitar: Fender American Stratocaster & Gibson Les Paul Standard Acoustic Guitar: Taylor 314ce, Ovation Adamas & Aria Pro Mini Guitar Ibanez A-type Mandolin Kelli Koa Ukulele Electric Bass: Ibanez SRT800 Acoustic Bass: Breedlove Passport Bass amp: Line 6 Sweet LowDown 110 Cymbal: Zildjian K Custom Hybrid Ride 21 inch Percussion: LP259X-1 Original Fiberglass Conga & Remo Djembe 14 inch Microphone: Neumann TLM 49, AKG C414 XLS (Stereo Pair), Rode NT55 (stereo pair), SM57 x 2 & Shure SM58 x 2 Computer: MacPro & MacBookPro 17 inch DAW: Logic Studio X & Reason 7 Sampling Library: Vienna Symphony Library, East-West Orchestra Gold, Choir, Ministry of Rock, SD2 Percussions, Ivory II piano, Native Instruments Komplete 9 & Hauptwerk Organs Plug-in: Izotope Alloy, Ozone 5, Vynal & Melodyne Studio Suite Monitor Speakers: Yamaha MSP7 STUDIO x 2, Yamaha MSP5 STUDIO x 2 & Cambridge Sounds Works with sub-woofer Headphone: Sennheiser HD650, Sony MDR-7509HD & AKG K240 Headphone Amp: Beringer HA400 Audio Interface: MOTU Traveler mk III & MOTU Ultra Lite mk III MIDI Interface: MOTU MIDI Express XT Studio Command System: Mackie Big Knob Cables: Mogami Gold Neglex Quad Cable, Neutrik XLR & Mogami Gold TRS Patch Cable

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Takeshi Asai: French Trio, Vol. 1

by Geannine Reid
May 20, 2014

Spreading his time between the music scenes of Europe, Asia and the United States, composer and pianist Takeshi Asai brings a fresh sound to jazz via classical harmonic structures and movements. Choosing to present his compositions in a trio format, Asai's CD, Takeshi Asai New York Trio Vol. 1 focuses on the style of jazz in New York. In the summer of 2013, Asai formed his French Trio with Pascal Combeau on bass and drummer Maime Legrand and began touring ...

LongPlay, by Robert Ratajczak

"[One of a] few pianists today who can perfectly combine the incredible virtuosity with the natural beauty of the compositions."

"Takeshi Asai’s album "Live in New York" once again proves that he is an unique, universal and independent artist." on CD "Live in New York" ______

Babskim Uchem, by Marta Ratajczak

"Live in New York" is the power of subtlety and exceptional intimacy combined with incredible sensitivity of the artist, which is applied rather to a big classical orchestra." on CD "Live in New York"

______

Audiophile Audition, by John Sunier

LongPlay, by Robert Ratajczak

"[One of a] few pianists today who can perfectly combine the incredible virtuosity with the natural beauty of the compositions."

"Takeshi Asai’s album "Live in New York" once again proves that he is an unique, universal and independent artist." on CD "Live in New York" ______

Babskim Uchem, by Marta Ratajczak

______

Audiophile Audition, by John Sunier

"Asai’s Steinway piano resonates strongly..."

"This straightforward jazz which is refined and stylish, but buttressed by an open-minded approach. There is a perception of seriousness but also, at times, cheerfulness: light humor balanced with well-honed jazz veracity." on "French Trio Vol. 2"

______

Improvijazzation Nation, by Rotcod Zzaj

"Takeshi clearly knows whereof he plays!" on Beginning Again

"one of my favorite piano works for the year" on Hircam

"MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 4.99 for this stellar and highly impressive release!" on "French Trio Vol. 2"

______

Michael J. Fressola | [email protected]

"Asai's is generous and elegant." on Takeshi's compositions ______

Marta Ratajczak, Babskim Uchem

"so romantic, so wise and so beautiful..."

All About Jazz, By GEANNINE REID

"another approach to the melding of cultures in Asai's amalgamation of impressionist sounds with the modern jazz language of today, resulting in a fine listen....."

Jazz Sensibilities, By Jeff Becker

"Asai has a special ability to coax freshness and meld the better of two worlds, all for our listening pleasure."

Jazz Times, By H. Allen Williams

What instantly sets Asai’s French Trio, Vol. 1 CD apart is his playing and composing style is thankfully void of clichés and is purely about the beauty of melody and the purity of the music.

Folk & Acoustic Music Exchange, By Mark S. Tucker

"Takeshi Asai plays piano as though a George Winston who listened to Aaron Copland, the Gershwins, and Bill Evans night and day."

Yahoo Voices, By Susan Frances

....A composer and live performer, Takeshi Asai shows that he not only understands the language used to make chamber music-based creations but he has the ability to compose original works implementing the chamber music language.....

LMNOP, D. Seven

New York City's Takeshi Asai is a very busy, productive, focused man these days. He has been presenting his unique style of jazz piano to the world for many years and has gained quite a bit of critical acclaim along the way. ...

MIDWEST RECORD By Chris Spector

It's happening again. Here's another jazz piano trio that has popped up out of nowhere and is determined to make their mark doing nothing but playing great music. Classy, uncluttered and well recorded ..... he makes it look too easy. Top shelf throughout.

"5 Étoiles. Comme la braise continue de briller dans le charbon, la musique continue de résonner même après que les chansons soient terminées." Grady Harp, HALL OF FAME, TOP 50 REVIEWER, VINE VOICE at Amazon.com on "French Trio Vol. 1"

"5 stars. Like an ember in the coals the music continues to glow even after the songs have ended." Grady Harp, HALL OF FAME, TOP 50 REVIEWER, VINE VOICE at Amazon.com on "French Trio Vol. 1"

" Une nouvelle perspective! Tout au long de l'album French Trio, Vol.1, on retrouve des éléments de Jazz, de musique classique et de pop qui combinés ainsi apportent de la fraîcheur et des sons très mélodieux. " Jeff Williams, Kari-On Productions á CD "French Trio Vol. 1"

"A fresh perspective. The music throughout French Trio, Vol. 1 has elements of jazz, classical and pop that is combined in a way that is fresh and extremely musical." Jeff Williams, Kari-On Productions on CD "French Trio Vol. 1"

"extraordinary artistry, impressive and unlimited virtuosity of the pianists." - Robert Ratajczak, RadioJAZZ.fm on CD "A Tale of Three Cities"

"Takeshi is a dream come true producer: a brilliant composer, an innovative musician and an intuitive collaborator. It is a privilege to work with him." - Elise Wiener, singer & song writer"

"Takeshi is an extremely talented & unique pianist that captures the essence of International flavor through his magenetic finger tips that entice audiences abroad. He is a class act." - Danie Cortese, Celebrity Publicist & International Promoter

"a true interpretation masterpiece and an excellent example of a perfect record in the piano duo category." - Robert Ratajczak, RadioJAZZ.fm on CD "A Tale of Three Cities"

"Takeshi is that rare musical artist who is able to create music in a variety of different styles. He is truly gifted." - John Settineri, writer and composer of musical "Hunger"

"[T]he biggest surprise since the beginning of the year in the jazz trio category." - Robert Ratajczak, RadioJAZZ.fm on CD "Takeshi Asai New York Trio Vol. 1"

"Amazingly fluid pianist" - Michael Fressola, Arts Editor for Staten Island Advance

"The real gem, shining brightly on this album is 'Le Crepuscule' referring to the most outstanding achievements in the world of jazz piano trio. Championship!" - Robert Ratajczak, RadioJAZZ.fm on CD "Takeshi Asai New York Trio Vol. 1"

"Musically sophisticated, driven by a powerful, mythic story and characters..." - on Takeshi's Arrangement on "Hunger - A Love Story" by Allan of Rafford Films

"Excellent pianist..." - TAXI

"very talented young jazz pianist with thoughtful and lyrical improvisation..." - Laszlo Gardony

"Easy to love" - Michael Fressola, Arts Editor for Staten Island Advance, on WaFoo

"Creative, witty and deeply musical, it's a special treat to watch him take [his] improvisation adventure. A rare gift!" - Silas Brown, Grammy Award-winning Engineer & Producer

"Eloquent, romanic, lyrical, masterminded and stoic, Takeshi Asai is a wonderful musician." - Gen Kimura, CEO of Artes Publishing

"a most effective piece of 'mood music.'" - Lindsay Koob for Charleston Today, on Takeshi's Composition, "Spring Thunder."

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