Japanese trumpeter from New York zigzags between funk, hip-hop, and soul jazz.
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Born in Japan, trumpeter Takuya Kurado made his American breakthrough with the album Rising Son (2014) on Blue Note Records. This taut mix of jazz, funk and soul was produced by singer José James. Soon after, Kuroda played in the band of hip-hop legend DJ Premier, formerly of Gang Starr. He also performed with the Akoya Afrobeat Ensemble. Influences of all these projects can be heard in his current band.

This fall will see the release of Takuya Kuroda’s new EP, the follow-up to the album Fly Moon Die Soon (2020). The theme of that album was the tension between humans and nature, which is reflected in the melodies moving between spiritual and earthly. The album contains covers of songs by The Ohio Players and Herbie Hancock. As a trumpeter, Takuya Kuroda has clearly developed his own style, with Clifford Brown and Roy Hargrove as his most important examples.
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Takuya Kuroda trumpet, Corey King trombone, Lawrence Fields piano, Rashaan Carter bass, Adam Jackson drums