Embassy of Japan’s Japanese Jazz Series!
The Embassy of Japan’s Japan Information and Culture Center presents the Japanese Jazz Series Discover emerging Japanese jazz artists during the As part of National Cherry Blossom Festival activities, the Embassy of Japan’s Japan Information and Culture Center (JICC), Japan Foundation New York and Blues Alley Jazz Society is proud to host five nights of emerging Japanese jazz talent during its Japanese Jazz Series at Blues Alley. The Japanese Jazz Series was created to promote the bilateral relationship between the U.S.A. and Japan, and to enhance understanding of Japanese modern culture in the U.S.A. through the presentation of Japanese Jazz music by Japanese and American young artists, on the occasion of the annual National Cherry Blossom Festival. All events take place at Blues Alley
Pianist Manami Morita was born in Saitama, Japan in 1984. She started off learning classical piano at the age of 4. Unfortunately, she hated piano lessons, because she couldn’t stand all the rules in classical piano. On the other hand, she loved playing as she wanted and felt. At the age of 13, she met jazz. “Well, THIS IS AWESOME, I CAN DO WHATEVER I WANT!!” she proclaimed. Manami graduated from Berklee in 2008 and released her first album “Colors” in 2009, her second album “For You” in 2010 and her third album “When Skies are Grey” in 2012 through Rambling Records, Inc. Currently, she is based in New York City. Playing in the big city keeps her motivated to continue creating. She still does whatever she wants musically. That will never change …and her journey continues…
Guitarist Nobuki Takamen was born in Hiroshima, Japan in 1977. Jazz historian Scott Yanow describes him as “an excellent improviser in his own bop-inspired style.” John Heidt of Vintage Guitar Magazine has also called him “a mature player with keen sense of composition [and] considerable technical skill.” A mainstay of the New York jazz scene, Nobuki leads his own group which has toured in the USA, Canada and Europe, and appeared at jazz festivals and clubs including the Montreal International Jazz Festival, the Rochester International Jazz Festival, Blue Note NY, Smalls Jazz Club, Bar Next Door and Iridium Jazz Club. He has also toured annually throughout Japan since 2004. April Shows: TICKETS NOW ON SALE 
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Wednesday, March 16
