Well known in Japan as the only flugelhorn player as well as a jazz singer, TOKU has also collaborated with several world renowned artists such as Hank Jones, Cyndi Lauper, Billy Hart, Eddie Gomez, David Kikoski, Toshinobu Kubota, Miki Imai, Maki Oguro, EXILE, and ZEEBRA. His latest collaboration will be with jazz group, Tommy Campbell’s TEA TrEE^O.
The performance will be on May 16 at the WhyNot Jazz Room, the first show at 9 pm and the late show at 11 pm. Don’t miss your chance to check out his special one-night only show in New York City!
Tommy Campbell’s TEA TrEE^O with special guest TOKU
Location: WhyNot Jazz Room
14 Christopher Street (between 6th and 7th Aves)
Friday, May 16, 2014
9:00pm and 11:00pm (2 sets)
$10 cover charge
Phone: 646.756.4145
TOKU
In Japan "TOKU"is the only flugel horn player who is also well known as a jazz singer. He was born 1973 in Niigata where he started to play the flugel horn while in junior highschool. As a high school and college student he played pop music in a cover band. He was discovered by a jazz drummer who heard his play Miles Davis' "If I were a bell" at a college talent contest. He was later invited to a jam session where he became deeply inspired by jazz.
In his third year of college he moved to the states to learn the language. While there he started a band with his room mate (who happened to be a jazz pianist) and thus started his career as a jazz musician. Upon graduating from college he started singing at a jazz club. There he was scouted by a DJ from local radio station which led to his first album "Everything She Said" on Sony Records in January 2001.
In August 2001 he made his debut at the "Blue Note Tokyo". In January 2002 his 2nd album "Bewitching" was released as well as mini LP "Winds of Change" which contained two tracks written by Kyohei Tsutsumi. In June 2002 John Simon produced Toku's 3rd album "Chemistry of Love". He further established himself as a jazz singer throughout Japan by singing "You are so beautiful" for a Hitachi TV commercial and also "Do-Re-Mi" for Honda's Odyssey ad campaign. In January 2003 "TOKU" came out. This was released includes both instruments and vocal tracks which highlights his versatile flugel horn technique and sensual voice. In March 2004 "30" was released as well as all vocal tracks. In February 2006 "A Brand-New Beginning"was released. In November 2008 "Love Again" was recently released. This New Album was recorded at Atlanta,GA with Super Musicians. Along the way he worked with other talents such as Ken Hirai, Skoop On Somebody, Paris Match, Miki Imai, Mariko Takahashi and m-flo.
Official Website: http://www.toku-jazz.com
