Aiko had no formal musical training but has always loved singing since childhood. She was an alto in her school choir, where she developed a keen ear for harmonies.
When she moved from Japan to the U.S. to attend school at Oregon State in the mid-80s, she had the opportunity to become a jazz DJ at the college station, which sparked her serious listening and exploration of jazz. Being on campus, she was fortunate enough to see world-class jazz musicians perform live, and she often drove to nearby Portland to catch shows, immersing herself in the music.
Around this time, she connected with local jazz musicians and started attending jam sessions. She eventually formed a trio, Played Twice, with a guitarist and bassist, and performed jazz standards around town. However, the leader of the folk-rock band she was in at the time encouraged her to write her own music and accompany herself on guitar. This inspired her to pursue songwriting passionately, eventually abandoning jazz singing altogether for a period, and performing as a guitarist/singer/songwriter for the next 15 years.
During this time, she has recorded four full-length albums, along with various side projects where she has appeared as a guest musician and collaborator.
In her late 20s, Aiko moved to Seattle, where she actively performed her original music with her band and had the opportunity to open for national touring artists like Susan Warner, Jane Siberry, and more. She toured both the East and West Coasts and collaborated with musicians she dreamed of working with.
In 2001, the renowned New York composer and saxophonist John Zorn offered Aiko a record deal on his label, Tzadik. Her album Blue Marble included collaborations with violinist and violist Eyvind Kang, who has worked with Bill Frisell and many other celebrated musicians. Bill Frisell also made guest appearances on the project.
Additionally, the Japanese label EWE (East Works Entertainment) signed Aiko, releasing an album in 2000 that was mastered by Seigen Ono. By 2004, she had produced four other full-length albums.
Other notable opportunities include a tour on the East Coast with composer and pianist Robin Holcomb, as well as a multimedia performance based on Rachel Carson’s book Silent Spring, composed by Robin and directed by her husband, the acclaimed composer and pianist Wayne Horvitz, in Seattle.
In 2007, Aiko was contacted by the legendary jazz pianist Jessica Williams, who asked her to open for her and collaborate in Seattle. Although Aiko wasn’t singing jazz at the time, Jessica was seeking something different from traditional jazz. This was a tremendous honor and allowed Aiko to perform her songs backed by one of jazz’s greatest pianists.
Currently, Aiko resides north of Sacramento, where she performs as both a guitarist/singer/songwriter, as well as a jazz singer. When she’s not performing, she works as a mentor to young musicians, dedicated to helping them find their own unique voice. She aims to inspire growth not only as musicians but as whole persons, encouraging each individual to develop authentically.
Go to Aiko's Original Music to check out her reviews and discography.
| Why Choose Me? | What I Can Offer | Testimonials | Aiko's Original Music | Contact |