Aiko had no formal musical training but always loved singing as a child. She was alto in her school choir and developed an ear for harmonies.
When she moved to the U.S. from Japan, during her graduate program at Oregon State in the mid-80s, she had an opportunity to become a jazz DJ at the college station, where she began listening to the music seriously. Being on campus, she was fortunate enough to see world-class jazz musicians come and play on campus, and often drove to neighboring towns like Portland to see live music.
Around this time, she got to know some local jazz musicians in town and started attending jam sessions. She eventually formed a trio, Played Twice, with a guitarist and a bassist, and sang jazz standards around town. However, the leader of the folk-rock band that she was in at the time encouraged her to write her own music and accompany herself on guitar. From then on, she became passionate about writing her original music, abandoning jazz singing altogether, and went on to perform as a guitarist/singer/songwriter for the next 15 years.
In her late 20s, she moved to Seattle, where she actively performed her original music with her band, and had the opportunity to open for touring musicians like Susan Warner and Canadian artist, Jane Siberry, and more. She has toured on the East Coast as well as the West Coast, and collaborated with musicians of her dreams.
In 2001, the New York composer/saxophonist, John Zorn offered Aiko a record deal on his label, Tzadik. On this album, Blue Marble, she had the opportunity to collaborate with violinist/violist/producer Eyvind Kang, who often worked with Bill Frisell and many other renowned musicians. Bill Frisell also made appearances on the project, along with many other great musicians.
The Japanese label, EWE (East Works Entertainment), also offered Aiko a record deal, which came out in 2000, mastered by Seigen Ono, but she had also produced four other full-length albums by 2004.
Other notable opportunities include the East Coast tour with composer/pianist Robin Holcomb, and her multi-media performance, where Robin wrote music based on the book, Silent Spring, by the best-selling author, Rachel Carson. These performances were directed by Robin's husband, the renowned composer and pianist Wayne Horvitz, in Seattle.
In 2007, Aiko was contacted by the world-renowned jazz pianist, Jessica Williams, and was asked to open for her and collaborate with her in Seattle. Although Aiko was not singing jazz then, Jessica was looking for something different from traditional jazz. This was an incredible honor, and allowed Aiko to sing her songs backed up by one of the greatest jazz pianists.
Currently, Aiko lives north of Sacramento and performs both as a guitarist/singer/songwriter and a jazz singer. And when she is not performing, she works as a musician's mentor, where her goal is to help young musicians find their own, unique voice. She is a guide who encourages each musician to grow as a whole person.
Go to Aiko's Original Music to check out her reviews and discography.
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