Toru Dodo Trio

Toru Dodo is an internationally acclaimed, grammy-nominated jazz pianist, composer, and arranger whose 25-year career reflects both the depth of the jazz tradition and a modern, global sensibility. Originally from Japan and a graduate of the Berklee College of Music’s Jazz Composition program, Dodo has built a distinguished artistic life in the United States, performing at major festivals, collaborating with jazz legends, and contributing to theater, film, and recording projects. As a leader, Dodo has released six albums—including Dodo, 116 West 238 St., Dodo 3, Do You Like Cappuccino?, JAfro nad JAfro II—each marked by his signature blend of lyricism, rhythmic clarity, and improvisational imagination. His versatility has made him a sought-after sideman, performing with Kenny Garrett, Benny Golson, Curtis Fuller, and others. Highlights include the Melon Jazz Festival, the Detroit International Jazz Festival, Blues Alley, and Iridium’s celebration of Curtis Fuller’s 70th birthday. Dodo’s recording credits extend to Somi’s Holy Room: Live at Alte Oper with Frankfurt Radio Big Band, nominated for Best Jazz Vocal Album at the 2021 Grammy Awards, earning him international recognition for artistic excellence. In addition to his jazz work, Dodo has been a key figure in New York’s theater community. For more than a decade, he served as a regular pianist for the immersive hit Sleep No More, and he performed in acclaimed productions of Dreaming Zenzile at Repertory Theater of St. Louis, McCarter Theater, and New York Theatre Workshop. Equally at home on the bandstand, in the studio, or in the theater pit, Toru Dodo continues to bring a refined musical voice shaped by experience, curiosity, and a deep love for the craft. “One of the most commanding voices on bass today” Yasushi Nakamura is praised for imaginative, quicksilver bass lines that deepen the groove. His blend of guitar-like precision and gut-level blues has sparked collaborations with artists such as Wynton Marsalis, Wycliffe Gordon, Toshiko Akiyoshi, Hank Jones, Dave Douglas, Steve Miller, etc. With his charismatic stage presence and artful, hard swinging melodic touch, Nakamura is a first-call performer capturing new audiences and fans around the world. Born in Tokyo, Nakamura moved to the United States at age 9, and considers both places home. He began with clarinet and tenor saxophone, but his older brother’s study of guitar and drums drove him to pick up the bass. His love of rock and funk aside, the music of Charlie Parker, Ray Brown, Miles Davis were a potent influence on him. Nakamura received a BA in Jazz Performance from Berklee School of Music in 2000, and was awarded a full scholarship to The Juilliard School for his Artist Diploma in 2006. He credits Myron Walden as an early champion, and keeps close ties to Juilliard mentors Victor Goines, Wycliffe Gordon, and Carl Allen, Ben Wolfe all of whom maintain him in their bands. Nakamura’s career is flourishing, with consistent engagements at premier jazz festivals including Tokyo, North Sea, Monterey, Ravinia, and venues such as Birdland, Village Vanguard, the Blue Note, the Kennedy Center, Jazz at Lincoln Center, and Carnegie Hall. In 2014, he was honored to play the “NEA Jazz Masters Concert: Celebrating Jamey Abersold, Anthony Braxton, Richard Davis, and Keith Jarrett,” sharing the stage with Joe Lovano and Dave Liebman. A wide array of projects permits him to explore musical styles and collaborations. In 2016, he recorded with one of his long-time inspirations, Toshiko Akiyoshi, for her recent release, Porgy and Bess. His performance with Akiyoshi’s Jazz Orchestra was also broadcast as a documentary film. Recent works include “For the Love of Duke” with New York City Ballet choreographed by Susan Stroman, and “Ellington at Christmas: Nutcracker Suite” with Savion Glover, Lizz Wright, the Abyssinian Baptist Choir, and David Berger conducting. In 2010, he toured the Middle East with Jazz at Lincoln Center’s “Kings of the Crescent City” project, and he toured Asia in 2008 with the Juilliard All-Stars. As an educator, Nakamura has led master classes and summer intensive courses at the The Juilliard School, New School, Koyo Conservatory, Osaka Geidai, and Savannah Swing Central. In 2016, Nakamura release his first album "A Lifetime Treasure" and in 2017 he also released 2nd album "Hometown" from Atelier Sawano featuring Lawrence Fields, Bigyuki, and Clarence Penn which received album of the year 2017 in JazzLife magazine. Recently, he has been touring and performing with Lew Tabackin, Emmet Cohen, Ulysses Owens Jr, Joe Lovano/Dave Douglas Soundprints, Aaron Goldberg, Mark Whitfield, Monterey Allstars, Christian Sands, Wycliffe Gordon, Vincent Herring, and many more. This artist does not have a bio yet.