Jazz in the Garden: Akiko, Organist (Trio)

One of the nation’s longest running jazz festivals, Jazz in the Garden began in 1965 as a way for residents and workers in New Jersey’s largest city to enjoy the Museum’s Alice Ransom Dreyfuss Garden, providing another cultural experience for the community in the warm weather months. Its popularity now extends as far as South Jersey to Long Island. The series has included both local musicians as well as international stars. Some of the notables who have performed are Jimmy Guiffre, Houston Person and Etta James, Ron Carter, Cedar Walton, David Murray and Lou Donaldson.

Akiko has been a mainstay on the New York jazz scene since arriving from Japan in 2001.  She can be seen around town as a leader or sideman with musicians such as Lou Donaldson, Jimmy Cobb and Eric Alexander. Her fourth and latest U.S. recording, Commencement (AT Records), features John Hart and Jeff Hamilton.

According to the legendary Dr. Lonnie Smith, “Akiko’s playing is like watching a flower blooming, a bird spreading her wings in the music world. Akiko is here to stay.”