Honolulu B3 Organ Summit

Although Jocelyn Michelle has also played piano and guitar, she’s found her true voice on the Hammond B-3 organ.  A talented composer and lyricist as well as a musician, she has been performing different musical genres for many years and reimagines well-known songs in her own unique style.
 
Jocelyn could play by ear from a very young age, and started piano lessons at seven. She went on to attend the University Of Miami School Of Music, and then played organ and keyboards with many bands and performers on the Florida club circuit.
 
While playing around Florida, Jocelyn met her husband, guitarist John Rack. The two went on to become musical and life partners, moving to California to continue their musical adventures for many years. They moved to the island of Hawaii in 2013, continuing to perform, record and tour together.
 
Jocelyn’s debut CD on Summit Records, Time to Play, received the Downbeat Magazine Best of 2016 award. Jocelyn is currently working on new recordings, and looking forward to performing in Japan this May.

The legendary Dr. Lonnie Smith describes her this way: “Akiko's playing is like watching a flower blooming, a bird spreading her wings in the music world. Akiko is here to stay.”

Raised in Osaka, Japan, this talented musician began studying the organ at the age of three, at the famed Yamaha Music School. After discovering her passion for jazz very ear-ly on in her musical journey, Akiko launched her career immediately after graduating from the Osaka College of Music.

While living and playing in Osaka, she had many opportunities to perform with world- renowned jazz musicians from the United States. Meeting Grady Tate, in particular, was a life-changing event for Akiko.

After landing in the mecca for jazz, New York City, it didn’t take long for Akiko to make her mark - It was during these early years that she had the great pleasure of sitting in, playing gigs, and eventually recording with jazz greats such as Frank Wess, Jimmy Cobb, Grady Tate and other top NY musicians. Her reputation ultimately drew attention of Lou Donaldson as he chose her in 2006 as his quartet’s organist.

But it was the meeting of organ legend Dr. Lonnie Smith that proved to have the greatest impact on Akiko’s musical development and career. He became an important mentor to Akiko, and she considers him her greatest influence. She flourished and continued to be a constant draw on the NY jazz scene.

Akiko has ten albums as a leader to her credit both the U.S. and Japan. Her debut album in the U.S., “Sweet and Funky”, was selected as a “Best album of 2007” in DOWNBEAT Magazine. Her albums have constantly placed in the top ten on the National Radio Jazz Chart. Akiko also received “Swing Journal Rising Star Award” (Japan) in 2010, Hot House Magazine (NYC) Best Organist’ in 2017 and the DOWNBEAT Magazine Critics Poll 2020 Rising Star Organ.

Akiko’s latest excitement is a trio project featuring Jeff Hamilton on the drums and Steve Kovalcheck on the guitar. This thrilling trio has been touring around the US and Europe. Akiko continues to be a constant draw on the NY Jazz scene. 2023 was a big year for Aki-ko. She performed with her NY Quartet at Marian’s Jazz Room in Switzerland, Rochester International Jazz Festival, Vail Jazz Festival, and The Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra for their 2023 European Tour.

In January 2024, Akiko’s 10th album will be released by Steeple Chase Records. Just take a listen to this dynamic performer, and I’m sure you will agree with the legend-ary Dr. Lonnie Smith - “Akiko is here to stay!” Akiko Tsuruga website: www.akikojazz.com