Yuko Fujiyama, founder and artistic director
Yuko Fujiyama born in Japan in1954, embarked on a musical journey that transcended borders. In 1987 she made her way to the United States, after being deeply moved by the artistry of pianist Cecil Taylor. By 1993, Yuko had taken center stage, performing her own original improvisational compositions. Her music resonated through concert halls, intimate clubs, and vibrant festivals across New York City and beyond.
She has been performing as a leader with musicians such as Fred Hopkins, Wilber Morris, William Parker, Mark Dresser(bass), Dennis Charis, Ikue Mori, Reggie Nicholson, Susie Ibarra, Gerry Hemingway, Lou Grassi, Rashid Bakr, Keven Norton, Satoshi Takeishi, Newman Baker(drums), Tomas Ulrich(cello), Billy Bang, Mark Feldman, Jennifer Choi(violin), Roy Campbell, Graham Haynes(trumpet/cornet), Thomas Chapin, Sabir Mateen(sax), Steve Swell(trombone), Ellen Christ(vocal) etc.
"She's created her own path." Village Voice, 2001
"Something far mare daring and impactful." Downbeat, 2018
"Music finds its level on this cooperative improvisation" -All About Jazz, 2022
Discography
Yuko Fujiyama "Quiet Passion" (Intakt Records 2022)
Yuko Fujiyama "Night Wave" (Innova Records 2018)
Yuko Fujiyama Quartet "Re-entry" (CIMP Records 2001)
Yuko Fujiyama String Ensemble "Tag" (CIMP Records 1998)
Wadada Leo Smith "Lake Biwa" (TZADIK 2005)
Brian Wilson "Things heard unheard" (Deep Listening 2005)
Irving Stone memorial concert (TZADIK 2005)
William Parker "Song Cycle" (Boxholder Records 2001)
Thurman Barker "The Way I Hear It" (Uptee Productions 1999)
Ellen Christi "Reconstruction of Sound" (SESAC Network Records 1997)
Wilber Morris "One World Emsemble Breathing Together (Freedom Jazz Records 1996)
Lee Konitz "Rhapsody Vol. 2" (Paddle Wheel Records 1994)