Erena
Terakubo
Raised in Osaka, Japan, this talented musician began
studying the organ at the age of three, at the famed Yamaha Music
School. After discovering her passion for jazz very early on in her
musical journey, Akiko launched her career immediately after graduating
from the Osaka College of Music. While living and playing in Osaka, she
had many opportunities to perform with world-renowned jazz musicians
from the United States. Meeting Grady Tate, in particular, was a
life-changing event for Akiko.
After landing in the mecca for jazz, New York City, it
didn’t take long for Akiko to make her mark – It was during these early
years that she had the great pleasure of sitting in, playing gigs, and
eventually recording with jazz greats such as Frank Wess, Jimmy Cobb,
Grady Tate and other top NY musicians. Her reputation ultimately drew
attention of Lou Donaldson as he chose her in 2006 as his quartet’s
organist. But it was the meeting of organ legend Dr. Lonnie Smith that
proved to have the greatest impact on Akiko’s musical development and
career. He became an important mentor to Akiko, and she considers him
her greatest influence. She flourished and continued to be a constant
draw on the worldwide jazz scene.
To Learn more about Akiko click here.
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