HIROSHI YAMAZAKI - piano:  Hiroshi Yamazaki began playing piano at the age of seven in Osaka, Japan. His great interest in music and formal training led him to the Osaka College of Music, where he continued his study of classical piano under the tutelage of the accomplished classical pianist, Yoshiko Sato.

During his second year in college, Hiroshi was exposed to a variety of jazz recordings, through which he discovered the music of Wynton Kelly, Tommy Flanagan, Ahmad Jamal, Bobby Timmons, and most notably, Red Garland. Hiroshi's focus quickly shifted to jazz piano and at age 22, he gave his first professional jazz performance, leading a trio, at S.A.B. Hall in Osaka.

After about three and a half years of performing around Osaka and Tokyo, Hiroshi decided to move to New York City, a place where he could continue to grow as a musician and performer. There he began to forge his own voice from the Be-Bop and Hard-Bop tradition not only as an improviser, but also as a composer and arranger.

Hiroshi's debut in New York came in 1988. He led a trio at the Jazz Center of New York, which featured Paul West on bass and Leroy Williams on drums. Other performances followed, with Hiroshi leading groups at some of the most popular jazz venues in New York City, including the Village Gate, Birdland, and the Bluenote. He shared the stage with some of New York's finest players, including Eric Alexander, Kenny Washington, Lonnie Plaxico and Vernell Fornier.

In 1996, Hiroshi produced his first recording, "Sketch of Bridge"   which displays his prowess as composer and arranger as well as a fantastic jazz pianist. Accompanying him on this date were the master bass player and jazz giant, Ron Carter, and one of the greatest drummers in the world, Lewis Nash.

A tour of Japan followed in 1997, featuring Rufus Reid on bass and Akira Tana on drums. Hiroshi's second record was released in 2000. It is entitled "We May Say Love"   and features Steve LaSpina on bass and Davie Jones on drums. Another tour of Japan came about to promote the new album, this time with Tony Jefferson on drums and LaSpina on bass.

He is a sideman with the Carmen Leggio Quartet and Jan Leder Quartet. He also continues to lead his own groups in New York City and the greater metropolitan area, which feature Ryan Berg on bass and Jon Maione on drums. His skills as an accompanist and arranger are much sought after as well.