By Laura Eckles, KCCK Programming Intern

Hailing from Osaka, Japan, Akiko Tsuruga attended the Osaka College of Music. While attending Osaka, Tsuruga had the privilege to play with talented jazz musicians such as Roy Hargrove, Jeff “Tain” Watts, and Grady Tate. Grady Tate acted as a mentor and had the strongest influence on her professional career including her move to the U.S. Along with Tate, Dr. Lonnie Smith is one of Tsurga’s greatest mentors and biggest influences.  Immediately after graduating she made her way to the New York jazz scene in 2001.

Akiko has released eight albums in both Japan and the U.S. Her first two U.S. releases, “Sweet and Funky” and “Oriental Express” ranked among the top twenty on the national jazz radio charts. Her newest album, “Commencement,” was released in 2014 and ranked fourth in the Jazz Week Chart. “Commencement,” ties old and new jazz concepts together. Inventive ideas and original compositions are accompanied by classic jazz standards with lively arrangements. Akiko Tsuruga plays the Hammond B-3 Organ with emotion and soul, making it hard to believe she isn’t a Chicago native. The Akiko Tsurugua Trio featuring Jeff Hamilton and Graham Dechter will be playing at the Iowa City Jazz Festival on Friday, July 1, at 7 p.m. on the Main Stage.