Aki Takase: The Pioneering Jazz Virtuoso
Introduction
Aki Takase, born on January 26, 1948, is a renowned jazz pianist and composer hailing from Japan. Her musical journey began at the tender age of three in Osaka, and she later moved to Tokyo for her formal education. She studied classical piano at the prestigious Toho Gakuen School of Music, laying a solid foundation for her future career.
Career Beginnings and International Recognition
In 1978, Takase embarked on her professional career, performing and recording in the United States. She collaborated with several notable musicians, including Lester Bowie, Sheila Jordan, David Liebman, and John Zorn. Her first European performance was at the Berlin Jazz Festival in 1981. Thanks to her constant touring and appearances at international jazz festivals, Takase quickly became a sought-after musician for recording and collaboration.
Collaborations and Musical Projects
Throughout her career, Takase has worked with numerous musicians, including her husband Alexander von Schlippenbach, also a pianist. She has also collaborated with Eugene Chadbourne, Han Bennink, Evan Parker, Paul Lovens, Fred Frith, and many others. In addition, she has performed duets with Maria João, Louis Sclavis, David Murray, and Rudi Mahall. Takase has also explored the works of several famous jazz musicians in various projects, including Duke Ellington, Thelonious Monk, Eric Dolphy, W.C. Handy, Fats Waller, and Ornette Coleman.
Genre-Bending Projects and Compositions
Takase’s training and adventurous spirit have led her to create projects that exist between contemporary music and jazz. These include her duo project YOKOHAMA with Louis Sclavis, KANON with Kazuhisa Uchihashi and Axel Dörner, and Hotel Zauberberg with Ayumi Paul. Her project “LA PLANETE” with Louis Sclavis, Vincent Courtois, and Dominique Pifarely, and “LOK.03” with Alex von Schlippenbach and DJIIIVibe, showcase her ability to blend different genres and styles. Her new quintet JAPANIC, which brings together HipHop, Jazz, and Improvisation, is a testament to her innovative approach to music.
Legacy and Influence
Since 1988, Takase has resided in Berlin, continuing to contribute to the global jazz scene. Her discography includes numerous albums and collaborations that reflect her versatility and creativity. Her influence extends beyond her performances and compositions, inspiring future generations of musicians with her dedication, versatility, and creativity. Aki Takase’s career serves as a testament to the power of dedication, versatility, and creativity in the realm of music.
- “Minerva’s Owl”– This album marks one of the early milestones in Takase’s career, showcasing her unique approach to jazz.
- “Esprit”– A collaboration with bassist Yoshio Ikeda, this album highlights Takase’s ability to create engaging musical dialogues.
- “ABC”– This album, featuring Cecil McBee on bass and Bob Moses on drums, showcases Takase’s versatility and creativity.
- “Song for Hope”– Recorded in concert, this album captures the energy and spontaneity of Takase’s live performances.
- “YOKOHAMA”– This duo project with Louis Sclavis exists between contemporary music and jazz, showcasing Takase’s innovative approach to music.
- “KANON”– A collaboration with Kazuhisa Uchihashi and Axel Dörner, this project reflects Takase’s ability to blend different genres and styles.
- “Hotel Zauberberg”– This project with Ayumi Paul is a testament to Takase’s genre-bending capabilities.
- “LA PLANETE”– This project with Louis Sclavis, Vincent Courtois, and Dominique Pifarely showcases Takase’s ability to create unique musical landscapes.
- “LOK.03”– A collaboration with Alex von Schlippenbach and DJIIIVibe, this project reflects Takase’s adventurous spirit.
- “JAPANIC”– This new quintet brings together HipHop, Jazz, and Improvisation, reflecting Takase’s innovative approach to music.
