Akiko Tsuruga - Beyond Nostalgia

Styles: Jazz, Hard Bop
Year: 2024
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 65:53
Size: 151,5 MB
Art: Front

( 8:47) 1.Tiger
( 6:31) 2.Happy Blues
( 8:35) 3.Middle Somewhere
(10:38) 4.Back Track
( 6:29) 5.I'll Close My Eyes
( 4:54) 6.Beyond Nostalgia
( 6:13) 7.Mack The Knife
( 6:48) 8.Dancing Cats
( 6:54) 9.What A Diff'rence A Day Makes

Another SteepleChase debut album here by Japanese-born B-3 organist Akiko Tsuruga who hails from Osaka, Japan's second largest city brimming with vitality and keen sense of good life. With her working group including husband trumpeter Joe Magnarelli Akiko leaps out with electrifying energy and at the same time displays her knack for elegant phrasing.

"Tsuruga wraps her own personality around our expectations, bringing out signature ideals of her instrument." - Dan Bilawsky, All About Jazz
https://propermusic.com/products/akikotsuruga-beyondnostalgia

Personnel: Akiko Tsuruga: B3 Hammond organ; Joe Magnarelli: trumpet; Jerry Weldon: tenor saxophone; Byron Landham: drums; Ed Cherry: guitar

Beyond Nostalgia

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Akiko Tsuruga - Equal Time

Styles: Jazz, Post Bop
Year: 2019
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 46:59
Size: 108,4 MB
Art: Front

(5:57)  1. Mag's Groove
(5:09)  2. Orange Coals
(5:32)  3. Osaka Samba
(6:42)  4. A Baptist Beat
(5:08)  5. Moment's Notice
(6:25)  6. Lion's Gate
(4:59)  7. I Remember You
(7:03)  8. This Could Be The Start Of Something Big

These three are all leaders of their own bands in different places. Here they combine to form what used to be called a super group. The music is all in the blues and bop domain, with easy swing, crisp, inventive solos and a solid rhythmic pulse throughout. Ms Tsuruga and guitarist Dechter play in solo mode and quickly revert to rhythmic duties when their own solos end. Hamilton is the only one whose duties are solely to provide a solid beat on every track and this he does handsomely. His own solos are well structured with attention to the contours of each piece of music. The three kick off with a solid blues, Mag’s Groove, that gives all three players a chance to shine. Orange Coals is a faster blues written by Dechter. He takes the first extended solo with the other two in full flow behind him. Akiko provides stimulating Hammond organ solos and also manages to keep a solid bass line going at all times, whether she is in the spotlight or not. The Osaka Samba is an attractive line from the organist, a sort of Japan embraces the samba but it all sounds very Latin and has a cracking beat. Still on the blues and gospel trail the trio next tackle A Baptist Beat, Hank Mobley’s funky line. Taken at much the same tempo that Hank used in the 60s, the piece is very downhome. Dechter manages an original solo spot here; this is very much his own take on the material. Akiko digs in too and there is much of the American bop and blues flavour in her solo and virtually nothing Oriental. There is a personal approach to Coltrane’s Moment’s Notice although the trio keep very much to the spirit of the composition in their straightahead, uptempo reading. Lion’s Gate is a gentle ballad by Akiko with singing guitar and organ and drums offering flowing rhythm. The set finishes with two hardy standards. Hamilton kicks off I Remember You with crisp brushwork and keeps it moving throughout in the same manner. Fine, well thought out solos from Dechter and Tsurugo follow on. Finally we have This Could Be The Start Of Something Big and who knows, maybe it can at that. ~ Derek Ansell https://jazzjournal.co.uk/2019/08/11/akiko-hamilton-dechter-equal-time/

Personnel: Akiko Tsuruga -organ; Jeff Hamilton - drums; Graham Dechter - guitar

Equal Time

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Akiko Tsuruga - So Cute, So Bad

Styles: Jazz, Hard Bop
Year: 2017
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 57:38
Size: 132,4 MB
Art: Front

( 6:51)  1. So Cute, So Bad
( 5:28)  2. The Lady Is a Tramp
( 6:32)  3. Face to Face
(10:02)  4. Frame for the Blues
( 7:41)  5. You Don't Know What Love Is
( 7:36)  6. Peachie
( 6:27)  7. Tanabata
( 6:57)  8. Pretty Please

“Akiko's playing is like watching a flower blooming, a bird spreading her wings in the music world. Akiko is here to stay.” ~ Legendary organist Dr. Lonnie Smith

Hammond B3 organist Akiko Tsuruga has been a regular on the New York jazz scene since her arrival in 2001. Almost immediately, she began working with artists like Jimmy Cobb, Frank Hess, and Lou Donaldson, whose quartet she joined in 2007. As a bandleader, she has toured internationally and released several acclaimed albums, garnering extensive radio play and “rising star” designations in DownBeat reader’s polls. Tonight, she celebrates the release of her latest album, featuring Graham Dechter and Jeff Hamilton. Dechter is an up-and-coming musician, making a name for himself as a straight-ahead jazz guitarist, and Hamilton is a veteran drummer and bandleader who will soon be headlining Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola again for a two-night run. Check them out at the club before Tsuruga’s new album takes over the airwaves. http://www.jazz.org/dizzys/events/182104/akiko-tsuruga-trio/

Personnel:  Akiko Tsurunga-hammond B3;  Jeff Hamilton-drums;  Graham Dechter -guitar.

So Cute, So Bad

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Akiko Tsuruga - Harlem Dreams

Styles: Jazz
Year: 2004
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 67:25
Size: 155,5 MB
Art: Front

(5:16)  1. Rapid Shave
(6:44)  2. The Breeze and I
(4:41)  3. Peachie
(6:14)  4. Harlem Nocturne
(3:41)  5. Kiko
(6:34)  6. Let's Hang Together
(6:05)  7. When A Man Loves A Woman
(5:31)  8. Cisco
(6:02)  9. These Are Soulful Days
(5:38) 10. Jitterbug Waltz
(4:34) 11. If Ever I Would Leave You
(6:21) 12. Geogia On My Mind

New York City based Hammond Organist and pianist, Akiko Tsuruga, has established herself as an 'in demand' player since arriving from her home town of Osaka, Japan in 2001. Akiko began Organ lessons at age three, and starting performing professionally throughout Japan after graduating from Osaka College Of Music. While performing in Japan, she encountered and played with many noted American musicians, Roy Hargrove, Jeff "Tain" Watts and Grady Tate to name a few. Grady Tate has been most influential in her career. He played on her debut CD, "Harlem Dreams" and encouraged her to move to New York. After arriving in New York Akiko established herself as one of area's top organist / pianist. Her trio featuring guitarist Eric Johnson and drummer Vincent Ector has been one of the area's top groups, working many jazz nightclubs including, Dizzy's (at Lincoln center) and The Blue Note. Her trio also plays private parties and summer outdoor concerts. Her long awaited debut CD, "Harlem Dreams" featuring Grady Tate and Frank Wess was released in Japan on the M&I label on May 19, 2004. Akiko's CD is so popular in Japan she has returned twice to perform. Her CD release tour featured Grady Tate on drums and guitarist Satoshi Inoue in August 2004.

In September 2005, she returned to Japan with guitarist Eric Johnson and drummer Fukushi Tainaka. It was this trip that caught the eyes and ears of Hammond Suzuki officials. The group was invited to the factory and Mr. Suzuki personally awarded her a Hammond XK-3 organ and endorsement. Among her accomplishments is an organ jazz instructional book "Hammond Organ Complete" (Berklee Press) which was translated from English to Japanese and has been published in Japan. When she's not leading her trio, she still enjoys working as a featured sideman in Grady Tate's vocal group and with saxophonist Jerry Weldon and many others. Akiko is currently working on a new CD to be released in January 2007.
~Editorial Reviews http://www.amazon.com/Harlem-Dreams-Akiko-Trio-Tsuruga/dp/B0001Z2YY4

Personnel: Satoshi Inoue Guitar; Grady Tate  Drums; Akiko Tsuruga Hammond B3; Frank Wess Tenor sax 

Harlem Dreams

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Joe Magnarelli - New York Osaka Junction

Styles: Trumpet Jazz
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 63:13
Size: 145,2 MB
Art: Front

(7:27) 1. New York Osaka Junction
(5:58) 2. Lament For Lorraine
(8:29) 3. What's New
(5:22) 4. Cousin Joanne
(8:39) 5. These Foolish Things
(6:19) 6. Reverend Tsuruga
(6:42) 7. Emily
(6:09) 8. The Wedding
(8:04) 9. The End Of A Love Affair

NYC is one of the most vibrant cities in the world, Osaka will arguably make the second place in that category.

Joe Magnarelli in the past made a couple "junction" albums but this could be the ultimate junction connecting the NY trumpeter with dynamic Osaka-born B-3 player Tsuruga. They are joined by the ace baritone player Gary Smulyan, sharing front line that will make it probably the first trumpet-baritone-organ band.

"Joe is known for his engaging, melodically-rich lines, and his powerhouse rhythm." - Zan Stewart https://www.prestomusic.com/jazz/products/9384822--new-york-osaka-junction

Personnel: Joe Magnarelli - Trumpet, Flugelhorn; Gary Smulyan - Baritone Saxophone; Akiko Tsuruga - Hammond B3 Organ; Rudy Royston Music - Drums

New York Osaka Junction

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Kevin Golden Trio - Pelham Parkway (Feat. Akiko Tsuruga & Peter Grant)

Size: 100,4 MB
Time: 40:02
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2016
Styles: Jazz: Hard Bop, Hammond Organ
Art: Front

01. Market Square (7:03)
02. Let's Do This (6:42)
03. JJ's Smove Groove (5:12)
04. Pelham Parkway (4:31)
05. Where Are They Now (4:32)
06. Let's Make The Time (6:08)
07. Cherry Pie (5:51)

Pelham Parkway captures the Kevin Golden Trio performing 7 originals penned by Kevin Golden in the tradition of the guitar/organ trio reminiscent of the style of the legendary Grant Green. Kevin Golden is on guitar, along with Akiko Tsuruga on organ, and Peter Grant on drums. The session was recorded at the legendary Tedesco Studios in Paramus, NJ, by Tommy Tedesco in February 2016.

Golden is a long time journeyman of the NYC and Hudson Valley NY jazz scene and has been playing jazz for over 27 years in the Hudson Valley and greater NYC area. He often plays with the Steve Kaiser Quartet in the NYC club scene. Guitarist Golden style is influenced by Grant Green, Rene Thomas, and Joshua Breakstone. Golden is also the guitarist for Michael’s Jazz Quartet on the recording "Woody-n-Me" released in 2007 and is co-author of song "Golden Opportunity", 2nd place winner in 2008 Independent Music Awards for Jazz Song of the Year. Golden also wrote "Say What You Mean", which was chosen as an All About Jazz website "Download of the Day", and is currently available online under the Steve Kaiser Quartet.

Akiko Tsuruga (aka "Queen of the Jazz Organ") has been a mainstay on the New York jazz scene since 2001. Akiko has released five albums in Japan and four in the U.S. Both of her first two US releases, “Sweet and Funky” and “Oriental Express” (18th & Vine Records), have ranked within top 20 on the national jazz radio charts.

Akiko has been regular on the DownBeat magazine critics poll since 2008. In 2012, she placed 6th in the Rising Star category of the magazine along with ranking in the readers poll. DownBeat Magazine and Keyboard Magazine have featured articles on Akiko. Her third US album, “Sakura” released in 2012 scored 7th on the national Jazz radio chart. Her latest album, “Commencement”, released on August 20th, 2014 both in the U.S. and in Japan, ranked 4th in the Jazz Week Chart.

Drummer Peter Grant was born and raised in New York City and studied at the Manhattan School of Music. Peter is a creative and versatile musician who has been in demand in the New York recording studios and clubs for 35 years. He has performed in venues ranging from Carnegie Hall to the Blue Note to Royal Albert Hall, the Mount Fuji Jazz Festival in Japan, the Monterey Jazz Festival and the White House.

Grant has played on over 40 recordings with such artists as Gerry Mulligan , Peggy Lee , New York Voices , Harvie Swartz and Rodney Jones. Live performance credits include gigs with Astrud Gilberto, Peter Cincotti, Ben E. King, Dave Samuels and European tours with Bob Dorough and Linda Hopkins.

Pelham Parkway 

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Akiko - Commencement

Size: 131,1 MB
Time: 56:28
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2014
Styles: Jazz: Hammond Organ
Art: Front

01. Blues For Bandit (5:15)
02. Funky Girl (5:06)
03. When Johnny Comes Marching Home (5:10)
04. How Deep Is Your Love (5:53)
05. Give Me The Simple Life (5:07)
06. Spanish Flea (4:38)
07. It's Easy To Remember (6:12)
08. L-O-V-E (6:08)
09. Don't Misunderstand (6:08)
10. Commencement (6:47)

Akiko started playing the organ at the age of 3. After graduating from Osaka College of Music, her career as a jazz organist started immediately. She immigrated into NYC in 2001 and have been blessed with so many celebrated music artists such as Lou Donaldson, Grady Tate, Dr. Lonnie Smith, Jeff Hamilton, Frank Wess, Bernard 'Pretty' Prudie and Jimmy Cobb.

Akiko joined Lou Donaldson Quartet in 2007 and have been toured worldwide in Europe, Asia including jazz clubs and jazz festivals in the United States since then. Meanwhile, her own band has headlined many well-known jazz venues as Vail Jazz Festival, Blue Note, Dizzy's Club Coca Cola in Jazz at Lincoln Center.

As her mentor, the legendary Dr. Lonnie Smith describes, “Akiko's playing is like watching a flower blooming, a bird spreading her wings in the music world. Akiko is here to stay.” Her future is bright and promising.

Commencement

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Akiko Tsuruga - Sweet And Funky / Oriental Express

Album: Sweet And Funky
Size: 122,3 MB
Time: 52:44
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2007
Styles: Soul-Jazz, Hammond Organ
Art: Front & Back

01. Booga Lou (3:58)
02. Broadway (5:47)
03. DLG (5:19)
04. Meanie Queenie (5:12)
05. Mushi-Mushi (5:28)
06. Polka Dots And Moonbeams (5:54)
07. Saving All My Love For You (5:41)
08. Stormy Weather (4:35)
09. Sweet And Lovely (6:25)
10. Where Is The Love (4:21)

Japanese-born Akiko Tsuruga has lived in New York since 2001. Sweet and Funky is her breakthrough CD, showing that she can hold her own with virtually every other jazz organist. Her style fits well into '60s/'70s soul-jazz and hard bop styles, grooving like Charles Earland, Jimmy McGriff, Jimmy Smith and the other great organists of the era without directly copying any of them. She swings her way through standards, blues and three originals, never losing her momentum, drive or flow of rhythmic ideas. Guitarist Eric Johnson (who takes plenty of fine solos), drummer Vince Ector and percussionist Wilson "Chembo" Corniel all have plenty of experience in this type of organ group and keep the music swinging and grooving. Based on the performances on Sweet and Funky, Akiko Tsuruga ranks as one of the top organists around today and, with luck, this is only the beginning. ~Review by Scott Yanow

Sweet And Funky

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Album: Oriental Express
Size: 123,5 MB
Time: 53:02
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2009
Styles: Soul-Jazz, Hammond Organ
Art: Front & Back

01. Bright Eyes (3:48)
02. Closer I Get To You (3:19)
03. Dreamsville (4:28)
04. Frim Fram Sauce (4:55)
05. J's Groove (4:22)
06. Killing Me Softly With His Song (5:26)
07. Magic E (5:43)
08. Oriental Express (4:42)
09. Sidewinder (6:18)
10. Take It Easy (5:48)
11. Teach Me Tonight (4:06)

With her third release as a leader, Japanese-born jazz organist Akiko Tsuruga demonstrates her growth as a player, having distilled the essence of many of the giants of the instrument, including Jimmy Smith, Charles Earland, Mel Rhyne, Brother Jack McDuff, and others. One of relatively few women who has gained exposure playing jazz organ, Tsuruga shows a surprising maturity at the instrument, using a wide variety of dynamics, while her adventurous spirit shows in her improvising and choice of rhythms. Two of her sidemen on these sessions, tenor saxophonist Jerry Weldon and drummer Rudy Perschauer, were members of McDuff's final band and their presence no doubt stimulated the young organist. Also making important contributions are guitarist Eric Johnson and percussionist Wilson Chembo Corniel, both of whom appeared on her previous 18th & Vine CD Sweet and Funky. Her breezy setting of "The Frim Fram Sauce" (a hit for pianist Nat King Cole during the '40s) and funky Latin setting of Lee Morgan's "Sidewinder" are obvious highlights. She's equally adept handling standards like "Teach Me Tonight" and Henry Mancini' lush ballad "Dreamsville," both of which prominently feature Johnson. With this outstanding effort, Akiko Tsuruga is easily one of the fast rising stars on jazz organ. ~Review by Ken Dryden

Oriental Express

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Akiko Tsuruga - St.Louis Blues

Styles: Hammond Organ
Year: 2007
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 64:06
Size: 147,0 MB
Art: Front

(6:27)  1. Funky Mama
(6:34)  2. Time is Money
(5:51)  3. I'm Walking
(4:58)  4. What Now My Love
(5:44)  5. Tell Me About It
(6:21)  6. Cry Me A River
(5:40)  7. St.Louis Blues
(5:41)  8. Strike Up The Band
(5:32)  9. Thrill is Back
(5:17) 10. Can You Do That?
(5:56) 11. The Battle Hymn of the Republic

Standing Shoulder-to-Shoulder with the Best American Players. After releasing two previous albums under the M & I label, Tsuruga's third release is her first with the MOJO label. A hard worker, she has grown and improved with each of her recordings, and this album places her as a jazz organist together with the elite American players. As her career has flourished in the States, it seems that she has perhaps gained a new confidence in her abilities. Her playing is deep, soulful, and reminiscent of the African-American legends of the jazz organ; while her record of performances in New York is remarkable, including engagements at many jazz clubs. 

She is now planning a U.S. tour with Lou Donaldson and Grady Tate, who have both been taken with her playing. As a general rule, tenor sax and guitar fit nicely with jazz organ, and this is how this recording is set up. Here, she is joined by the soulful tenor of Houston Person, guitarist Eric Johnson and drummer Bernard Purdie. These are the best musicians she has recorded with yet. Tsuruga's lively organ is not outdone by Person's veteran tenor sax, in fact she often sounds as if she is taking the lead in the group. Displaying her affinity for players like Jack McDuff, she plays a singing, earthy organ that sounds like it's coming straight out of Harlem. Funky Mama, St. Louis Blues, Strike up!and The Thrill is! are especially tasty. Track #3 and #10 are wonderful originals.

~ Yozo Iwanami   

http://www.cduniverse.com/productinfo.asp?pid=7763622&style=music&fulldesc=T

Personnel:  Vince Ector – Drums; Eric Johnson – Guitar; Houston Person – Tenor Sax; Bernard Purdie – Drums; Akiko Tsurunga – Hammond B3

St.Louis Blues

Akiko Tsuruga - NYC Serenade

Styles: Jazz
Label: Self Released
Year: 2008
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 63:20
Size: 145,0 MB
Art: Front

(6:53)  1. Sister Sadie
(5:10)  2. Arthur's Theme (Best that you can do)
(6:00)  3. When You Wish Upon A Star
(6:38)  4. The Way You Look Tonight
(6:39)  5. Driftin'
(4:38)  6. Portrait of Jennie
(5:46)  7. Easy Walker
(5:52)  8. 24 Mill Street
(6:00)  9. Ricado Bossa Nova (The Gift)
(5:02) 10. Bluesette
(4:39) 11. Gator's Time

Through the expression of her personal song, one is deeply impressed by how sincere she is about her music.~Nobunari Takai

New York-based jazz organist Akiko Tsuruga's new quartet recording features the great Jimmy Cobb together with her familiar guitarist Eric Johnson and rising star Wayne Escoffery on tenor saxophone. Tsuruga selected all of her favorite tunes from her repertoire, and the recording starts off with a Horace Silver number, while tracks number seven and eleven are both original compositions. Tsuruga and Johnson are both presently members of Lou Donaldson Quartet, and Tsuruga writes regularly in her blog of all the fun she has playing together with the group. She is making the most of the great opportunities she has playing with these living legends, and you couldn't ask for any greater experience as an organist. As Japanese jazz fans, it is a delight to see her doing so well. By now, her talent and ability are self-evident.

This recording is a reflection of Tsuruga's success. Known for his playing with the Miles Davis quintet, the Wynton Kelly trio, and many others, legendary drummer Jimmy Cobb's marvelous ride cymbal beat is a priceless treasure. Johnson's guitar and Escoffery's tenor are impressive throughout, and Tsuruga's organ playing feels incredibly natural. Her playing is not a forced rehashing of older styles, nor is it a copy of other well-known players. Through the expression of her personal song, one is deeply impressed by how sincere she is about her music. Her music is clear and tasteful, as well as elegant. Hearing her play from her favorite repertoire, one can feel the hot, swinging excitement that she generates.

~(http://www.cduniverse.com/productinfo.asp?pid=8201810&style=music&fulldesc=T).

NYC Serenade

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