“A truly gifted and talented performer...I can guarantee that Taeko will indeed return to the Cape May Jazz Festival!”- Salvador A. Riggi Jr., Executive Director, Friends of Cape May Jazz, Inc.
“I can say without hesitation she is one of the most gifted jazz singers of this era.” - Tim Price (Saxophonist, Faculty at New School University)
Thank you for your love and support. I hope to see you at my shows this fall!
Yours always,
TAEKO
TAEKO Fall Schedule in New York:
| DATE | PLACE |
| Sun, Jan 22nd | Ossining Public Library (Ossining, NY) This concert is sponsored by the Ossining Library Foundation. |
| Thu, Jan 26th |
featuring TAEKO and Her Trio-Great soul food, my base since 2003 |
| Fri, Feb 11th | Long Beach Jazz Valentine's Day Concert |
| Fri, Mar 9th |
Add: 254 West 72nd Street New York, NY 10023 TEL: (212)579-0222 TAEKO with The Sugar Bar Band |
| Apr 6th - Apr 22nd | Japan Tour |
| Sat, Apr 28th | THE NEFJA Jazz Festival, Ormond Beach, Florida Doug Carn featuring TAEKO |
New CD "VOICE" has Arrived!
Personnel: Taeko Fukao: Vocals, Greg Lewis: Organ, Keven McNeal: Guitar, Doug Richardson: Drums
Melodica, Lou Rainone: Piano, Gaku Takanashi: Acoustic Bass, Electric Bass, Wah-Wah Guitar
Produced by Doug Richardson & Taeko Fukao
Mixed by Katherine Miller, Cover Design by Masumi, Front Cover Photo by Yoshi Ono, Inside Cover Photo by Kimiyo Okubo. Make-up by Hiroko Sacripante, Costume of Front Photo by ARTE GROUP INC., Produced by Doug Richardson & Taeko Fukao
- ONE LOVE
-
available at cdbaby.com, amazon.co.jp
Personnel:
Taeko Fukao: Vocals
Harry Whitaker: Piano
Misha Tsiganov: Piano
Gaku Takanashi: Bass
Dwayne Burno: Bass
Doug Richardson: Drums & Piano
Produced by: Doug Richardson & Taeko Fukao
1. One Love - Opening /0:18 (Bob Marley) 7. I Hear a Rhapsody /4:57 2. It Could Happen To You /3:03 
8. Trav'lin' Light /5:32 3. Dindi /6:23 9. People Make the World Go Round /5:50 4. Would You Believe /3:54 10. Little B's Poem /3:35 5. I've Never Been Love Before /3:05 11. One Love /1:12 6. Hoshi-no Love Letter /6:32
Mixed by Katherine Miller, Cover Design by Masumi, Front Cover Photo by Yoshi Ono, Inside Cover
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Photo by Kimiyo Okubo. Produced by Doug Richardson & Taeko Fukao
- You Taught My Heart to Sing - Recorded 2004
-
Track 1-8: Taeko - vocal, Toru Dodo - piano, Ron "Rondew" Monroe - bassguitar, Doug Richardson - drums
Arranged by: Doug Richardson.
Track 9:Taeko - vocal, Doug Richardson - piano
1 . East of the Sun /2:46 6. I Thought about You /3:03 2. Girl Talk /3:43 7. That's All /5:01 3. People Make the World Go Round /4:57 8. How Deep Is the Ocean /4:10 4. You Taught My Heart to Sing /7:51 9. If You Could See Me Now /4:17 5. The Way You Look Tonight /3:41 - Total Time: 39:32
- Stories Of Life - Recorded 2002
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Personal: Taeko Fukao - vocals, Doug Richardson - piano. Arranged by: Doug Richardson
Recorded at Astoria Soundworks Studios, New York, September 17, 2002.
Recording Engineer: Kamilo Krate, Photos: Yoshi Ono Produced by Taeko Fukao
1. Old Folks /4:14 5. Infant Eyes /6:18 2. Body and Soul /6:57 6. Ceora /5:22 3. My One and Only Love /4:51 7. Softly As In a Morning Sunrise /5:02 4. A Child Is Born /6:02 - Total Time: 37:66
- TAEKO - Recorded 2002
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Personal: Taeko Fukao - vocals
Takana Miyamoto - piano
Gaku Takanashi - Bass
Doug Richardson - Drums.
Recorded at: Sonic Shop NYC, March 1999.
1. Softly As In A Morning Sunrise /3:47 5. Love For Sale /6:02 2. Body And Soul /3:32 6. 'S Wonderful /2:11 3. I Didn't Know What Time It Was /3:32 - Total Time: 22:59 4. Bye Bye Blackbird /3:52
"NEW YORK POST" TAEKO Interview May, 20th (Fri)www.nypost.com
Quotes by Royal Stokes
“I put Taeko’s Voice in my Best Jazz Vocal CDs of 2010 list -- and for good reasons. In the course of the album’s twelve tunes she proves that she can dip and soar, execute faultless vocalize and vocal acrobatics, scat with the best of them, and caress ballads, all the while maintaining a swinging pulse. She is, quite astonishingly, in total command of the disparate materials she chooses to apply her extraordinary chops to. The program offers a welcome balance of compositions drawn from sources as different as Duke Ellington, Thelonious Monk, Wayne Shorter, Alan Jay Lerner/Burton Lane, Herbie Hancock, Marvin Gaye, Sly and the Family Stone, and Japanese folk songs. Taeko is supported by a world-class combo of musicians, each of whom contributes stunning solo efforts.”
W. Royal Stokes is author of Growing Up With Jazz: Twenty-Four Musicians Talk About Their Lives and Careers, Swing Era New York: The Jazz Photographs of Charles Peterson, and other books on jazz.
Review by Salvador A. Riggi Jr., Executive Director
Friends of Cape May Jazz, Inc.
“As Executive Director of the Friends of Cape May Jazz, Inc. I have the privilege of listening to the music of artists performing at our scheduled Bank of America Cape May Jazz Festival. Prior to this festival one artist caught my attention and that artist was a Japanese Vocalist named Taeko. After listening to her CD I knew that I had to make sure that I attended her performance. Upon arriving at Carney's Other Room on the first night of the Cape May Jazz Festival I was surprised to find the venue filled to capacity. As I walked to my reserved table I was not only taken back by her physical beauty, but by the beautiful sound of her voice and her strong presence on stage. As I listened to her sing I could hear sounds of Ella Fitzgerald and maybe a touch of Sara Vaughn. Her onstage presence was a clear indication that not only was she singing the song but she became part of the song, which is a clear sign of a truly gifted and talented performer.
Further strengthening her presence was the band backing her. Taeko's impact on the audience was also obvious since no one left the room until she completed each of her three sets. During and after the festival ended many people asked me if Taeko would ever return to the Cape May Jazz Festival; my response was short and simple……I can guarantee that Taeko will indeed return to the Cape May Jazz Festival!”
Review by the Cadence magazine. - Read 1,
Read 2, Read 3
TAEKO Review 91.7 WHUS - Read more
TAEKO Review Jazz & Blues - Report.pdf
- Performance Review By Tim Price (Sax Player/ Jazz Educator) So....I headed to Cape May Jazz Festival Friday to do my sax workshops and the super jams at Carneys Bar as part of the festival that I do. Read more...
Review By Jim Eigo Jazz Promo Services
Taeko - VOICE: Whenever I look at a jazz CD cover in the Orient (particularly when they come from Japan, for some reason), I almost automatically have expected it to be all cover tunes that are (either) poorly executed or backed up with bands that can't quite "make the grade". &, yes, I know that's not "PC" - but that's not our forte here at this magazine... & I'll tell you right now, this young lady has GOT IT! Whether she's doing Herbie Hancock, Monk, a Taeko original composition, or a Japanese jazz song - it's all very pleasantly done, with superb ratings on both talent and energy.
She relocated to NYC during the late '90's, and has clearly learned her lessons well... just listen to her spirited singing on Marvin's "Inner City Blues " - clearly brings the fact to light (again) that "The Man" still has his arms wrapped 'round everything... I mean, she OWNS this performance of Gaye's classical soul tune! It doesn't hurt that she's joined by some players we know already (Greg Lewis on organ; Kevin Mcneal on guitar), but the even 11 tunes (+ one bonus track) very nicely feature her superb vocal talent... this isn't a set of tunes you'll relegate to the bottom of your playlists anytime soon. The tune that struck me as favorite track was Stanley Turrentine's "Sugar "; whether you like puns or not - jazz just do NOT get any sweeter than this. A very, VERY cool jazz vocal album that gets my MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED rating, as well as my "PICK" for "best female jazz vocals" in 2010. "EQ" (energy quotient) rating is 4.98.
- Review By D. Oscar Groomes: O's Place Jazz Magazine Japanese vocalist Taeko Fukao strikes a groove right away singing "Cantaloupe Island", the first of twelve classic contemporary jazz selections, mostly on the funky side. Website
- Review By Jazz Times
Beatnik-Entertainment presents The Japanese Songbird, Taeko Fukao known to audiences throughout the world as “Taeko,” as she celebrates the release of her latest CD “VOICE.” … Read more- Review By Step Tempest
"Voice" by TAEKO, issued on Flat Nine Records, is a more "conventional" recording. The Japanese native opens the CD, her 2nd, with an inspired rendition of Herbie Hancock's "Canteloupe Island" and … Read more- Review By Chuck Vecoli on JazzReview.com
TAEKO's latest CD, Voice, is a tasteful collection of songs from some very different sources that she treats with the same skillful … Read more- By john shelton ivany , national news bureau - www.jsitop21.com although she came to nyc from japan in 1998, taeko boasts a classic american sound. on "voice" she treats us with a clear vibrato-less funky jazz instrument as reassuring as a warm fireplace.
- Review By http://www.tybailey.com/
Wow! Taeko is a fun singer who is not shy about expressing her soul on tunes like Herbie Hancok’s - Cantaloupe Island’ and Monk's "I Mean Y ou" , “Marvin's "Inner City Blues" and … Read more- Review By J.B./ J.B. Spins
Sure, lyrics are important, but the voice and how it is used are what really matter in jazz singing. As a case in point, Japanese jazz vocalist Taeko performs two equally … Read more- Review By Jordan Richardson
When I first came in contact with the music of Taeko, I was enamoured with her ability to stretch sound and work normal-sounding notes into waves of bending, meandering tone. … Read more- Review from Hungary By Czékus Mihály
Valamiért a Tokió-Budapest tengely mentén nem igazán áramlanak be hozzánk hangzó anyagok, pedig köztudomásúan aktív jazz élet folyik a felkelő nap országában. …Read more- Review By Piers Ford
Take a talented young Japanese singer, transplant her to New York in her formative musical years, immerse her in what is probably the world’s richest jazz scene, then stand back …Read more- By John Book - June 6, 2010. CD Review
Taeko has returned with a brand new album called Voice (Flat Nine). Last time when I heard her, I felt that the kind of power and strength I had hoped to hear in specific songs . …Read moreReview CD "ONE LOVE"
- In TUNE International Magazine: UK September 2009 Issue, Page 22
TAEKO: ONE LOVE: Flat Nine Records 101 http://www.jazzpromoservices.com
Here's a ten-song festival by Ms. Fukao that is certain to knock you out. From the first smashing electric tones of "It Could Happen To You" (Burke/Van Heusen) I was whisked away to a musical wonderland. Fortified as she is with a brisk double time and concluding with an original scat, Taeko is ear shattering. She's from Japan and possesses an absolutely finely honed voice with many varied interesting shades. There's an exceptional "Dindi" (Jobim/Oliveria) that's so dramatic you are bound to play the replay button. It's theatre of the highest quality. Her duet with bassist Gaku Takanashi on "I've Never Been in Love Before" (Loesser) is up tempo and most extraordinary. "I Hear a Rhapsody" (Fragos/Backer/Gasparre) is almost taken at an innovative marching beat. It works very well. And then there's "Trav'lin Light" (Mundy/Mercer/Young). Taeko splendidly treats this standard to an emotionally almost standstill. It's a beautiful delicate treatment befitting a great standard.
- CD Review by Jazz Improv NY Magazine - May 2008 Issue All the best traditions of jazz vocalists are evidenced in One Love...{PDF-21MB}
- George Harris/ All About JAZZ California - March 2008 Issue Japanese vocalist Taeko Fukao has successfully attempted the daunting challenge of bringing the great American songbook back to ...{PDF-3.72MB}
- By Edward Blanco Definitely one heck of a jazz singer, Taeko Fukao's graceful approach to the music leaves quite an impression on “One Love.”An amazing singer who bills herself as a Japanese songbird, jazz and R&B vocalist Taeko Fukao has been performing and producing charming jazz vocal albums in New York for the past decade. http://www.ejazznews.com
- The Musicians' Ombudsman
- (Taeko) is a gutsy interpreter of our beloved American Songbook” Amid the strong musical signature of her great jazz trio, chanteuse 'Taeko' takes us on a vocal journey of mainstream jazz. She delivers her vocalise in a deceptive yet viable manner...Holding our attention while she explores her tunes melodically & harmonically.....http://www.cabaretexchange.com/
- George W. Carroll Amid the strong musical signature of her great jazz trio, chanteuse 'Taeko' takes us on a vocal journey of mainstream jazz. ...Read More
- Chris Spector Editor and Publisher C 2008 Midwest Record.“On the money throughout, jazz vocal fans are sure to enjoy this one.”TAEKO FUKAO/One Love: In which we find the Japanese songbird staking more of her claim to the Big Apple with a charming set of standards that shows her love of jazz and world sounds.
- And More! Kjell Radio Holstebro: "Thanks a lot for the album, she`s a great singer, the best japanese singer I`ve ever heard." Kjell Radio Holstebro Denmark.
blogcritics.com“A brilliant addition to any music lover's catalogue" by Jordan Richardson.
Taeko's CD "OneLove" has been introduced in Gelgium!
| Infant Eyes - TAEKO | It Could Happen to You -TAEKO |
| Ribbon in the Sky (Stevie Wonder) -TAEKO | International Jazz Singer TAEKO live performance in New York on January 23, 2011 |
| Biwako/Sukiyaki - TAEKO at Japan Day 2011 |
Summertime, Takedano Komoriuta-TAEKO at Japan Day 2011 |
Jazz singer from Japan, Taeko celebrates the release of her CD "ONE LOVE" at KITANO NEW YORK City on Jun 4, 2008. The tune in this video is There Is No Greater Love (Marty Symes / Isham Jones). The personnel are Taeko Fukao (Vocal), Misha Tsiganov (Piano) Gaku Takanashi (Bass) and Doug Richardson (Drums). To see all Taeko's performance video, click here.
“ Definitely one heck of a jazz singer ”- Edward Blanco, Jazz Critic
“ Her performance is a euphoric escape for all ”- Karl Stober, Jazz Critic
“ Taeko is one of the best of her generation.”- Juanita Fleming, Jazz & Gospel Singer/Actress
FOOTSTEPS:
TAEKO entices her audience in a most organic way with her naturally appealing voice, unique musical ideas and fluid delivery. Born and raised on the outskirts of Kyoto, Japan, she was inspired early on by the traditional Japanese music her father and grandfather played, and has been singing as long as she could remember. TAEKO's interest in American music was piqued while still in Japan. Her early influences are Ella Fitzgerald, Sam Cook, and Aretha Franklin. In 1998, she moved to New York City to dig deeper and follow her dream. traditional jazz, modern American music, and Eastern music heritage shape her contemporary vocal style to this day. Russ Musto of All About Jazz-New York describes TAEKO as "A singer of uncommon originality with a voice all her own."
TAEKO regularly performs in New York City between tour dates at Kitano, Lenox Lounge, Zinc Bar, Mobay Uptown, and the Blue Note. She has been featured at the Cape May Jazz Festival, the Women in Jazz Festival, and Newburgh Jazz Series, and was a finalist in the 2008 NYC Jazzmobile Jazz Vocal Competition. TAEKO sang the National Anthem at Japan Run in New York City, and she was a featured artist at the 5th annual Japan Day at Central Park in New York City 2011.[ She tours Japan twice yearly to perform for her broadening fan base there.
"VOICE" (2010/Flat Nine Records), TAEKO's second release in the US, is a vibrant patchwork of styles that reveals the passion with which she has explored the range of the jazz idiom. It's a showcase of intense study and her versatility which is wisely described "that the overall effect is sometimes like being strafed by a benign scattergun loaded with different styles. All of which makes the album's title more appropriate" http://cry-me-a-torch-song.com/
"ONE LOVE” (2007/Flat Nine Records) introduces this young star of brilliant ideas and impeccable executions. “Taeko has remarkable range and vocal command, able to manipulate normal notes into tapestries of sound. She tempers deep soulfulness reminiscent of Anita Baker with sophisticated scatting a la Ella Fitzgerald. The combination is a treat and never feels forced” http://blogcritics.com
PRIVATE STUDIES with:
Juanita Fleming – Gospel and Jazz Singer, Actress, Voice Trainer
Marion Cowings - Jazz Singer, Lyricist, Actor, the first disciple of Jon Hendricks
Barry Harris - Legendary Jazz Pianist, Jazz Educator
TAEKO celebrated the release of her new CD “ One Love” at the Kitano Hotel in NYC on June 4, 2008.
To see all Taeko's performance video, click here.
- Jazz Signer Taeko's Electronic Press Kit (EPK) at sonicbidz.com
- CD "ONE LOVE" Press Release Information (PDF) english
SOUNDS
- Two-minute samples of the complete CD "ONE LOVE" can be heard at cdbaby.com
CONTACT
- Artist: Taeko Fukao - Long Island City, New York / E: info@songbirdtaeko.com
- The US National Press Campaign:
Jazz Promo Services Jim Eigo - 269 S Route 94, Warwick, NY 10990
T: 845-986-1677 / E: jazzpromo@earthlink.net
- The US National Radio Campaign: New World N'Jazz
Neal Sapper
PO Box 194 Fairfax, CA 94978 / T: 415-453-1558
E-mail: newworldjz@aol.co
Matt Hughes
81 Hollywood Ave. Farmingdale, NJ 07727 / T: 732-835-5050
E-mail: matt@newworldnjazz.com
Join Taeko's mailing list and stay informed about upcoming shows and events!
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FLAT NINE RECORDS INC.
All Rights Reserved.