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Katsuko Tanaka

A Japanese native, Katsuko Tanaka moved to New York City in 2008 in order to immerse herself in the culture and traditions of American blues and jazz music. Since relocating Katsuko has been privileged to share the stage with internationally acclaimed jazz musicians, leading bands locally and abroad that have showcased artists like Willie Jones III, Lonnie Plaxico, Gene Jackson, Victor Lewis, Essiet Okon Essiet, and many upcoming young stellar.

She had taken classical piano lesson, sight reading, and ear training from the age of three at YAMAHA music school OSAKA. She received a Rotary International Foundation full scholarship to study classical piano at California State University, Long Beach. At CSULB she was awarded Jean Louise Boggess Scholarship, Mary E. Israel Scholarship, and State Paid Lessons. Being inspired by live jazz in America, Katsuko started to take private jazz lessons from Kei Akagi, Cecilia Coleman, and Brad Mehldau. After received her BA in classical piano performance, she returned Japan and started her jazz career.

After moving to NY, in 2009 she recorded her debut album BEYOND INTERSECTION, featuring Willie Jones III, Danton Boller, and a guest appearance by Antonio Hart. She received an MA in jazz piano performance from Queens College CUNY in 2010. She was commissioned to conduct a jazz performance and workshop sponsored by C.A.S.A. at El Museo Del Barrio Theater for 120 students in 2013, and gained a high reputation.

Katsuko carries with her a blend of cultural perspectives that have continued to grow and evolve. WISH BOARD showcases this unique viewpoint, with her dynamic, elegant sound skillfully and soulfully accompanied by Corcoran Holt and Willie Jones III. With a release date of August 20th, 2016, WISH BOARD is a strong follow-up that exhibits pianist and composer Katsuko Tanaka’s continuing musical and personal journey as she navigates the New York music scene.

Awards

Rotary International Foundation Ambassador


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Take Five With...

Take Five With Katsuko Tanaka

Read "Take Five With Katsuko Tanaka" reviewed by AAJ Staff


Meet Katsuko Tanaka: Katsuko Tanaka, born and raised in Osaka Japan, resided in California as a Rotary International Foundation Ambassador in the nineties. Being inspired by the live jazz music during her stay in the U.S., she decided to immerse herself into the jazz world. After being back in Japan (Tokyo and Osaka) for ten years, she came to New York in 2008 to further pursue her music. Instrument(s):Piano.Teachers and/or influences?My first ...

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Recording

Katsuko Tanaka Trio Debut Album "Beyond Intersection" Release

Katsuko Tanaka Trio Debut Album "Beyond Intersection" Release

Source: Michael Ricci

This is the debut album of a Japanese pianist Katsuko Tanaka. In less than two years after moving to New York, she put her original jazz compositions together with Danton Boller, Willie Jones III, and Antonio Hart.

When playing in New York, Katsuko is often asked “When and How did you start playing jazz? Where are you originally from, and how long have you been here in NYC?" Here is the answer:

“I was a Rotary International Foundation Ambassador to ...

Katsuko carries with her a blend of cultural perspectives that have continued to grow and evolve. WISH BOARD showcases this unique viewpoint, with her dynamic, elegant sound skillfully and soulfully accompanied by her sidemen, Corcoran Holt and Willie Jones III.

The album begins with BLOSSOM IN QUEENS, inspired by the positivity of musicians Jimmy Heath, Michael Philip Mossman and Antonio Hart, all faculty of her alma mater, Queens College. WITH EYES OF TRUTH lays back, staying in the pocket, inspired by her neighborhood in Brooklyn. A DREAM is a delicate ballad played with sensitivity and cinematic flair, while HAVE PEACE IN YOUR HEART is influenced by her regular work with a gospel churches over the past two years. On WISH BOARD, the title track, Katsuko pays respect to jazz piano giants Hank Jones and Barry Harris, whose longevity and technique are an inspiration to her. All of the original songs on WISH BOARD are based on her experience and emotional connection to living and working in New York.

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