Miki Hirose Quintet

Kobe-born trumpeter Miki Hirose began playing professionally while still young. His talent was recognized early on with prestigious awards in Japan (2002, 2017). Active in jazz as well as salsa, hip-hop, funk, and various other genres, Hirose honed his skills in New York, performing as a freelance trumpeter at venues and jazz festivals across the United States and Europe. Returning to Kobe in 2014, he was awarded a spate of prestigious awards for his musical accomplishments. Hirose has released multiple albums with his own band, the highly acclaimed Miki Hirose Jazz Orchestra, and remains active in various musical projects, sharing his knowledge with the next generation through education initiatives.

Band members

Tomomichi Takahashi (Tenor Sax)

Hiroshima-born saxophonist Tomomichi Takahashi started young, winning a Berklee summer program scholarship. After graduating from Osaka College of Music, he began his professional career, quickly racking up awards at prestigious jazz contests before releasing his debut album “Brother” with the band “Bring Station”. He honed his skills further in New York and upon returning to Japan, he formed the band “New Impressions”. In 2014, he achieved third place finalist in the international saxophone contest “Saxophone Idol” in Chicago. Takahashi continues to impress with his band and the Aro Jazz Orchestra, while also sharing his passion through lessons and mentorship.

Takeshi Ohbayashi (Piano)

Hailing from Hiroshima prefecture, pianist Takeshi Ohbayashi brings a rich and soulful sound to the stage. Though he initially studied film scoring at Tokyo College of Music, a jazz piano clinic ignited his passion for the genre. Following his heart, he honed his skills at Berklee College of Music. Ohbayashi quickly became a rising star in the New York jazz scene with his own group and co-leading the New Century Jazz Quintet with Grammy-winning drummer Ulysses Owens Jr. A regular performer at jazz clubs like Blue Note NYC, Smalls, and Jazz at Lincoln Centre, Ohbayashi is a sought-after collaborator, performing with world-class musicians like Takuya Kuroda, Jose James, Nate Smith and Terri Lyne Carrington. Ohbayashi continues to perform in festivals across Japan including Tokyo Jazz, Fuji Rock, and Summer Sonic.

Kunpei Nakabayashi (Double Bass)

Double bassist Kunpei Nakabayashi grooves across genres. A Tokyo mainstay since 2005, he’s a fixture in groups like “The Masafumi Yamaguchi Band”, “Hikari Ichihara Group” and leads his own acclaimed quartet releasing his debut album “Graffiti”. Collaborating with pop artists, international musicians, and even theatres, Nakabayashi’s virtuosity and genre-bending spirit have earned him awards and a reputation as a musical innovator. Nakabayashi won the Jazz Page popularity poll’s Best Instrumental Album award and was named “Jazzman of the Year 2012”. In 2022, he pushed boundaries further, forming the 10-piece “Kunpei Nakabayashi Orchestra” and releasing the album “Circles.”

Kodai Higuchi (Drums)

Higuchi brings his powerhouse drumming to stages across Japan. Starting at 15, he honed his skills at Kyoto Conservatory of Music and began performing professionally while still a student. Higuchi’s versatility shines in jazz, rock, and pop. He’s collaborated with renowned artists like Hino Terumasa and Nishiyama Mitsuru, both in Japan and during his time in New York (2006). Back in Japan, he joined “Hino Terumasa + Nishiyama Mitsuru New Direction” and continues to captivate audiences nationwide. A respected drummer and educator, Kodai Higuchi is a driving force in Hiroshima’s musical scene.