Eri Yamamoto, Jazz Pianist/Composer
Since moving to the New York in 1995, Eri Yamamoto has established herself as one of jazz’s most original and compelling pianists and composers. Musical legend Herbie Hancock has said, “My hat’s off to her......she’s found her own voice.”
During the past thirty years, Eri has been sharing her uniquely lyrical and evocative music with listeners in New York City, throughout the U.S., Canada, Europe, Japan, Africa, Jamaica, and Australia; with appearances in concerts, clubs, and major festivals.
This year, Eri celebrated her thirtieth year in New York by releasing a duo recording with fellow pianist Matthew Shipp. Soon after moving to the city, she had a weekly gig at the Avenue B Social Club in the East Village, where she met Matthew; he became one of her first musical friends here. This recording, Horizon, is Eri’s eighteenth as a leader.
Eri continues to play her original music in several groups: last year she released Fly With the Wings with her new quartet, “Quadraphonic;” and Let’s Keep Walking, her third solo piano recording. She also released a live recording with her “Colors of the Night” trio, featuring bassist William Parker. Eri has been collaborating with William for twenty years, appearing on eight of his recordings and concerts throughout the world.
Eri continues to work with her long-time trio members bassist David Ambrosio and drummer Ikuo Takeuchi. The New Yorker writes about their recording, A Woman With a Purple Wig: “Purposeful songs…... also step back to celebrate simple joys. Colors are Beautiful is as affirming as the title track is critical.” Filmmaker Aleksandra Szczepanowska was moved to create music videos of both songs. "A Woman With a Purple Wig," won the prize for best music video at the prestigious Big Apple Film Festival in 2023.
Downbeat magazine gave four stars to Eri’s trio release, Firefly, saying: “Her CD reaffirms Yamamoto’s standing as a contemporary pianist of the highest order. Her virtuosity never gets in the way of playing it straight from the heart.”
Eri was born in Osaka, Japan. She began playing classical piano at age three, and started composing at eight. In 1995, she visited New York for the first time, and was so inspired by a performance by pianist Tommy Flanagan that she decided to move to New York to study jazz. She entered the New School University's jazz program, where she studied with Reggie Workman, Junior Mance, and LeeAnn Ledgerwood.
Finally, Eri is a gifted educator. She received her master of music in education and composition from Shiga University, Japan. She has taught private lessons and workshops to jazz musicians of all instruments from the U. S., Japan, Europe, and North Africa.
eri@eriyamamoto.com
Instagram: @eriyamamotojazz
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YouTube Channel: @eriyamamotojazz