With her third release as a leader, Japanese-born jazz organist Akiko Tsuruga demonstrates her growth as a player, having distilled the essence of many of the giants of the instrument, including Jimmy Smith, Charles Earland, Mel Rhyne, Brother Jack McDuff and others. One of relatively few women who has gained exposure playing jazz organ, Tsuruga shows a surprising maturity at the instrument, using a wide variety of dynamics, while her adventurous spirit shows in her improvising and choice of rhythms. Two of her sidemen on these sessions, tenor saxophonist Jerry Weldon and drummer Rudy Perschauer, were members of McDuff's final band and their presence no doubt stimulated the young organist. Also making important contributions are guitarist Eric Johnson and percussionist Wilson Chembo Corniel, both of whom appeared on her previous 18th & Vine CD SWEET AND FUNKY. Her breezy setting of "The Frim Fram Sauce" (a hit for pianist Nat King Cole during the 1940s) and funky Latin setting of Lee Morgan's "Sidewinder" are highlights. She's equally adept handling standards like "Teach Me Tonight" and Henry Mancini's lush ballad "Dreamsville," both of which prominently feature Johnson.
Akiko Tsuruga's second release on 18th & Vine couldn't be more perfectly named. Oriental Express transports the listener on an exciting journey through soul-jazz, R&B, jazz standards and originals.
Masterful B3 style that appeals to fans of Shirley Scott, Jack McDuff, Big John Patton, Dr. Lonnie Smith & Brother Jack McDuff and Jimmy Smith. Regularly performs as a key member of the Lou Donaldson Quartet. Also performs with the Jackson Brothers, Jerry Weldon Trio, and Madam Pat Tandy Group.
Featured in DownBeat's 56th Annual Critics poll as "Rising Star Organ." Author of jazz instructional book Hammond Organ Complete (Berklee Press). First jazz organist to receive the "New Star Award" by Swing Journal. Previous 18th & Vine release named Best CD of 2007 by DownBeat, and reached # 13 on the jazz radio charts.
"Akiko Tsuruga, a New Yorker who relocated there six years ago from Osaka, Japan, uses powerhouse chops, good taste, and impeccable sense of swing and extra large ears to remind us of everything we always loves about the organ-trio tradition." - DownBeat.
"Wow! New York based Hammond B3 organist and pianist Akiko Tsuruga's latest CD, Sweet and Funky, is as the kids used to say 'the bomb' ! Tsuruga has too much funkiness in her to settle for playing just a 'good' solo. Her lines pile on top of each other with the force of a tsunami until the energy has been ratcheted up to tidal wave proportions." - JazzReview.
"Akiko Tsuruga ranks as one of the top organists around today." - Scott Yanow, All Music Guide.
Oriental Express
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