Ume Ichirin (feat. Yasumasa Kumagai, Kunpei Nakabayashi & Gaku Kano) Front Cover

Ume Ichirin (feat. Yasumasa Kumagai, Kunpei Nakabayashi & Gaku Kano)

Naoko Suzuki

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The birth of a new sound: Kouta meets Modern Jazz
In her debut single, Naoko Suzuki breathes new life into the 1931 Kouta classic, "Ume Ichirin." This project is defined by the visionary production and sophisticated arrangements of acclaimed jazz pianist Yasumasa Kumagai, who has masterfully transformed Japan's traditional melodies into a cutting-edge jazz experience.
Under Kumagai's direction, the track explodes into a high-velocity journey. A standout feature is the groundbreaking interplay between Naoko's vocals and bassist Kunpei Nakabayashi, who translates original Shamisen scores onto the bass with virtuosity and creativity. Together with the electrifying energy of drummer Gaku Kano, this ensemble creates a sound that is both deeply rooted in history and boldly futuristic.
Experience a rare fusion where the spirit of early 20th-century Japan meets the boundless freedom of modern jazz.

Artist Profile

  • Naoko Suzuki

    "Redefining Japanese Tradition through the Lens of Modern Jazz" Born and raised in Japan, she began her journey with jazz standards at age 22. While building a career as a Japanese language instructor, a growing desire to explore her own cultural identity led her to the world of Kouta - traditional songs accompanied by the three-stringed Shamisen. After making her mark on the Tokyo jazz scene in 2022 and releasing her debut album "Never Said" in 2025, Naoko has embarked on a bold new chapter. In her latest project, she collaborates with the highly acclaimed jazz pianist Yasumasa Kumagai to create music that is deeply rooted in the soulful essence of Kouta. Their sound is strikingly eclectic, blending traditional Japanese melodies with modern jazz harmonies reminiscent of Robert Glasper. Naoko believes that true Japanese beauty lies in "Ma" (the sense of space) and the elegance of imperfection. Through her lyrics and vocal style, she embodies this philosophy, leaving a generous canvas for the listener's imagination to flourish as she bridges the gap between ancient tradition and the contemporary jazz frontier.

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