Akiko Tsuruga: Sweet and Funky (2007)

Japanese-born Akiko Tsuruga has lived in New York since 2001. Sweet and Funky is her breakthrough record, showing that she can hold her own with virtually every other jazz organist. Her style fits well into ’60s/’70s soul-jazz and hard bop styles, grooving like Charles Earland, Jimmy McGriff, Jimmy Smith and the other great organists of the era without directly copying any of them. She swings her way through standards, blues and three originals, never losing her momentum, drive or flow of rhythmic ideas. Guitarist Eric Johnson (who takes plenty of fine solos), drummer Vince Ector and percussionist Wilson 'Chembo' Corniel all have plenty of experience in this type of organ group and keep the music swinging and grooving. Based on the performances on Sweet and Funky, Akiko Tsuruga ranks as one of the top organists around today and, with luck, this is only the beginning.-- Scott Yanow (AMG)

Tracklist:

01. Meanie Queeni (5:14)

02. DLG (5:21)
03. Sweet And Lovely (6:25)
04. Stormy Weather (4:37)
05. Saving All My Love For You (5:43)
06. Where Is The Love (4:24)
07. Polka Dots And Moonbeams (5:56)
08. Mushi-Mushi (5:27)
09. Booga Lou (3:59)
Personnel:
Akiko Tsuruga, organ
Eric Johnson, guitar
Vince Ector, drums
Wilson 'Chembo' Corniel, percussion
Sweet and Funky
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Akiko Tsuruga: Harlem Dreams (2004)

New York City based Hammond Organist and pianist, Akiko Tsuruga, has established herself as an 'in demand' player since arriving from her home town of Osaka, Japan in 2001.

Akiko began Organ lessons at age three, and starting performing professionally throughout Japan after graduating from Osaka College Of Music. While performing in Japan, she encountered and played with many noted American musicians, Roy Hargrove, Jeff “Tain” Watts and Grady Tate to name a few. Grady Tate has been most influential in her career. He played on her debut CD, “Harlem Dreams” and encouraged her to move to New York.

After arriving in New York Akiko established herself as one of area’s top organist / pianist. Her trio featuring guitarist Eric Johnson and drummer Vincent Ector has been one of the area’s top groups, working many jazz nightclubs including, Dizzy’s (at Lincoln center) and The Blue Note. Her trio also plays private parties and summer outdoor concerts. Her long awaited debut CD, “Harlem Dreams” featuring Grady Tate and Frank Wess was released in Japan on the M&I company on May 19, 2004.

Akiko’s CD is so popular in Japan she has returned twice to perform. Her CD release tour featured Grady Tate on drums and guitarist Satoshi Inoue in August 2004. In September 2005, she returned to Japan with guitarist Eric Johnson and drummer Fukushi Tainaka.

It was this trip that caught the eyes and ears of Hammond Suzuki officials. The group was invited to the factory and Mr. Suzuki personally awarded her a Hammond XK-3 organ and endorsement.

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Harlem Dreams