Ikumi Koyama Trio

The Ikumi Koyama Trio is led by Japanese jazz singer and pianist Ikumi Koyama, a highly accomplished musician known for her clear artistic identity and deep respect for the jazz idiom. Born in Yokohama, Ikumi began her musical journey on the piano at the age of two and later went on to study jazz piano at Shobi University. Since graduating, she has performed across Japan, Australia, and Taiwan. In February 2020, she moved to London, where she established herself in the local scene and recorded her debut album, 'The Things In The Past' (released in 2022 on Elsden Music). The album features a core group of collaborators including guitarist Alban Claret, bassist Tom Mason, and drummer Kuba Miazga. Her musical style is a vibrant blend of traditional and contemporary influences; her repertoire ranges from knockout performances of standards like 'Blue Moon' to original compositions. Her title track, 'The Things In The Past,' draws on 80s jazz funk and soul grooves, while her piece 'Hopeful' incorporates Oriental melodies to create a healing texture. Notably, she also brings her Japanese heritage to her arrangements, including jazz interpretations of Joe Hisaishi’s Studio Ghibli soundtracks from 'Spirited Away' and 'Howl’s Moving Castle.' Critics have praised her 'most attractive voice' and a piano style that perfectly complements sophisticated jazz settings, noting the warmth and clarity of her recordings.