** This event now concluded.
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- Date: Monday, May 23, 2022, 6:00-8:00 pm (Doors open at 5:30 pm)
- Performers: Takuya KURODA (Trumpeter), et al.
- Venue: Garden, Hall and Banquet Rooms (In case of rain, the event will be held indoor.)
- Language: English and Japanese
- Co-organized by the Asia Society Japan Center
- Admission: 5,000 yen each for members and their guests up to 2 people (registration required, first-come-first-served basis)
*Drinks will be served.
Welcoming a jazz band led by Takuya Kuroda, who is active internationally and was the first Japanese Jazz trumpeter signed with Blue Note Records, we will present a jazz performance at our garden. There will be jazz standards, oldies but goodies, and some of Takuya’s newer pieces. His music goes beyond musical borders collaborating with artists as DJ Premier, JUJU, Cero, and Misia. It’s an evening not to be missed. Please join us for this members-only jazz evening!
This live performance will be conducted taking COVID-19 preventive measures, and not be formal sit-down style.
Takuya KURODA (Trumpeter)
Jazz trumpeter Takuya Kuroda is a forward-thinking musician with a bent toward mixing post-bop and adventurous soul-jazz. Born in Kobe, Japan, Kuroda followed his older trombonist brother into the local music scene, playing in big bands. After studying music in Japan, Kuroda relocated to New York and enrolled in the New School Jazz Contemporary Music program, graduating in 2006.
After graduating, Kuroda quickly ensconced himself in the vibrant N.Y.C. jazz scene, performing with such artists as DJ Premier, Akoya Afrobeat and a myriad of others. In 2011, Kuroda released the independently produced album Edge which was described by NPR (National Public Radio) as “Kuroda is the next Dizzy Gillespie”, followed by Bitter & High and Six Aces in 2012. In 2013, Kuroda signed with Blue Note Records and recorded his third solo album, José James-produced Rising Son. Released in 2014, Rising Son featured a strong soul-jazz and hip-hop influence exemplified by the presence of several Roy Ayers compositions including “Everybody Loves the Sunshine,” which featured James on vocals.
In 2016, Kuroda returned with his fifth solo album, and first for Concord, Zigzagger. Produced by Kuroda, the album found the trumpeter expanding upon his funk, fusion, and hip-hop-influenced sound with another set of mostly original compositions. Included on the album was a collaboration with New York Afro-beat ensemble Antibalas.
