Ikumi Koyama Trio

Ikumi Koyama is a Japanese jazz singer and pianist born in Yokohama. Her musical journey began at the age of two on the piano, eventually leading her to study jazz piano at Shobi University. Since graduating, Koyama has established an international presence, performing across Australia, Taiwan, and Japan. In February 2020, she moved to London, where she recorded her debut album, "The Things In The Past," released on the Elsden Music label. The recording features her alongside an impressive cast of musicians, including guitarist Alban Claret, bassist Tom Mason, and drummer Kuba Miazga. Her work is characterized by a blend of traditional jazz standards and contemporary influences, including inventive arrangements of Japanese composer Joe Hisaishi’s Studio Ghibli soundtracks, such as "The Name of Life" and "Merry Go Round of Life." Koyama's original compositions, such as the title track "The Things In The Past," draw on 80s jazz-funk and soul grooves, while pieces like "Hopeful" incorporate East Asian melodies to create a healing texture. Critics have praised her attractive voice and piano style, noting the clarity and warmth of her performances which bridge the gap between jazz past and present.