Takezo Yamada Group

Takezo Yamada began his musical journey with the Sapporo Junior Jazz Orchestra at age 9. Uniquely, Takezo embarked on his professional journey without formal mentorship, carving his path through jazz cafes and live venues.
A key milestone came with his involvement in Sapporo Jazz Ambitious, winning the Sapporo City Jazz Park Jazz Contest in 2014. His debut album, “North Pandemic Groove”, followed by the acclaimed “BUNKA”, showcased his prowess as both a composer and arranger. International recognition followed when he was discovered by Canadian producer John Krypton leading to acclaimed performances at the Toronto Jazz Festival’s main stage for consecutive years. His Canadian tour became a resounding success, further solidifying his reputation as a masterful musician.
In 2020, Takezo Yamada’s brilliance was immortalized with the release of “TAKEZO YAMADA SPECIAL”. Takezo’s versatility shines through collaborations with groups like Eiichi Hayashi and Fumio Itabashi, and appearances at festivals like the Fuji Rock Festival. Notably, his arrangements and productions for soul band “Shunské G & The Peas”, under the guidance of singer-songwriter Yudai Ono, have garnered widespread acclaim. Active in the vibrant music scene of Hokkaido, Takezo lends his talents to groups like “MAZIWARIS”, fostering a sense of community and camaraderie among fellow musicians.

Band members

Eiichi Hayashi (alto sAX)

Renowned as one of Japan’s foremost saxophonists, Eiichi’s illustrious career began with a bold leap into Yosuke Yamashita’s trio while still in high school. Since 1980, Eiichi has been an integral part of the trio, adding his unique flair as “+1.” In 1991, he ventured into solo territory, forming his own group MAZURU and releasing an album. Passionate about nurturing young talent, Eiichi has spearheaded numerous projects aimed at fostering the next generation of musicians, often through his work with “MAZURU”. In recent years, Eiichi has orchestrating special evenings featuring a diverse ensemble of 13 orchestra members, including his regular group “GATOS Meeting” and esteemed guests.

Akihiro Ishiwatari (gUITAR)

Akihiro Ishiwatari is a versatile jazz guitarist and drummer. His remarkable talent has been showcased in various groups, including Takeshi Shibuya Orchestra, Hiroaki Katayama, and Kazutoki Umezu. Akihiro plays a pivotal role as one of the core members of the Shibuya Orchestra, contributing numerous original compositions. In 1996, he unveiled his debut album with the group “MULL HOUSE”, featuring Eiichi Hayashi on alto saxophone. Since then, Akihiro has continued to be a driving force within the group while also collaborating with other acclaimed musicians like Kosuke Mine and Kazumasa Akiyama. Renowned for his dynamic and aggressive guitar style, Akihiro has garnered a dedicated fan base worldwide. Beyond his instrumental prowess, Akihiro has served as the music director for Dairakudakan, a prominent dance group led by Akaji Maro.

Mikio Ishida (pianO)

Mikio Ishida, began his musical journey as a pianist at the tender age of 3, studying under renowned mentors such as Masato Tadokoro. After graduating from Hokkaido University in 2005, Mikio embarked on his professional career, swiftly making waves in the jazz scene with his trio, clinching two Grand Prix Citizen Awards at the Yokohama Jazz Promenade Competition in 2006. Relocating to Tokyo in 2008, Mikio expanded his musical horizons. Alongside his own trio, comprising Noboru Ando on bass and Nobuo Fujii on drums, Mikio collaborates with various bands and artists, including Atsushi Goto, Koichi Shofaze, Eiichi Hayashi, and Shota Koyama. With a repertoire spanning three piano trio CDs and his debut solo album in 2018, Mikio’s distinctive style is characterized by poignant ballads.

Atsushi Goto (tROMOBONE)

Atsushi Goto, a trombonist, arranger, and composer kicked off his professional journey with notable engagements in ensembles like “Yellowcard Orchestra!” and Takehiro Honda’s “The PURE”. Renowned for his dynamic playing style, Atsushi defies the conventional image of trombones infusing his performances with intensity and innovation. His compositions, while simple in structure, leave a lasting impact with their profound emotive depth. Based primarily in Tokyo, Atsushi leads various bands including “Atsushi Goto (tb)4” “MoonS”, “66/99”, and “Denki Slime” captivating audiences with electrifying live performances and acclaimed album productions. Moreover, Atsushi’s versatility shines through his collaborations with diverse groups such as “Gatos Meeting”, “MAD-KAB-at-AshGate”,”Fumio Itabashi Orchestra”, “D-Musica Large Ensemble”, and “Deadman’s Liquor” solidifying his reputation as a multifaceted artist at the forefront of Tokyo’s vibrant music scene.

Ryuichi Yoshida (bARITONE sAX)

Ryuichi Yoshida discovered his passion for the baritone saxophone in junior high. Deeply influenced by John Coltrane’s “Ascension”, he pursued classical music in high school and honed his craft under the tutelage of the esteemed Eiichi Hayashi at the renowned “Hayashikan Gakko.” After graduating from university, Ryuichi formed the Ryuichi Yoshida Quartet performing at iconic venues like Shinjuku’s Pitinn. In 1997, he joined the esteemed Fujii Goko Orchestra touring Europe with “Shibusa Shirazu”. Beyond conventional performances, Ryuichi has performed with a diverse range of musicians throughout his career; he pioneered avant-pop movements with ensembles like “blacksheep” and “tea-pool”, while showcasing his versatility in units like the Fumio Itabashi Trio.

Yuji Akita (bASS)

Bassist Yuji Akita holds the distinction of being the only fully licensed disciple of the late Tamio Kawabata, bassist for the legendary Japanese rock band Native Son. His unconventional, sharp, and unique playing style has garnered him a strong following. After going pro, Akita gained experience working with the Fukui Ryo group before forming his own outfit, Standard Kani BAND. Their live shows featuring guest appearances by the late Hiroaki Katayama, consistently packed out venues. Akita boasts an impressive list of collaborators, including Fumio Itabashi, Kosuke Mine, Eiichi Hayashi, Junichiro Oguchi, Shota Koyama, Ryōjiro Furusawa, and Maki Asakawa. Currently, Akita remains active across multiple projects, he leads his own big band, C-ICD KANI Band, while also playing with the Kosuke Mine Hokkaido Special Band and the Shota Koyama Trio.

Hiroki Ito (dRUMS)

Hiroki Ito’s passion for drumming took him across the Pacific in 1998 to study at the prestigious New York Drummers Collective, where he honed his skills under renowned instructors like Ian Froman and Kim Plainfield. In 2000, Ito set his sights on Tokyo; his talent was quickly recognized joining the “Kenichi Nishio (tp) Group” where he played a vital role in their debut album “GO AHEAD, HAVE FUN” and subsequent national tour. In 2005, he collaborated with jazz legend Isao Suzuki in his OMASOUND project, participating in nationwide tours and recordings. He also showcased his versatility with the release of “FIRE LAND” alongside the Kazuhiko Okumura trio and Noboru Ando. His international exposure continued in 2009 with a Japan tour alongside New York-based pianist Kuni Mikami. In 2010, Ito decided to return to his hometown, Sapporo, where he remains active in the music scene.