Akiko Tsuruga Jazz Concert

“So Cute, So Bad”

“She’s the Real Deal on B-3!” – Jazz Times

Akiko Tsuruga began playing jazz organ in her native Japan, where she had the opportunity to play with world-renowned jazz musicians from the United States such as Roy Hargrove, Jeff ‘Tain’ Watts, and Grady Tate, who convinced her to move to the United States. Doctor Lonnie Smith is another of Akiko’s greatest mentors. As soon as Akiko arrived in NYC in 2001 she was embraced by her fellow musicians and recognized as one of the top organ players in the city. She has played with top musicians such as Frank Wess, Bernard ‘Pretty’ Purdie, Jimmy Cobb, and especially Lou Donaldson, with whom Akiko has played since 2007. Akiko is a regular and crowd favorite at Dizzy’s Club Coca Cola, the Blue Note, and Smalls in NYC, and Yoshi’s in Oakland, CA. She was named ‘Best Jazz Organist’ by Hot House Jazz Magazine in 2017, and PJS is thrilled to welcome her back to our stage on March 10, 2019!