Kaoru Azuma performed jazz vocal in her hometown of Osaka, Japan

Kaoru Azuma performed jazz vocal in her hometown of Osaka, Japan. But she realized that to get to the heart of the music, to understand the culture in which it was born and to master the nuances of the language, she had to continue her studies in New York City, the capital of jazz. In 2003, Kaoru enrolled in the jazz studies program at the City College of New York (CUNY), where she became immersed in the study of jazz theory, history, arranging, English diction, improvisation and vocal technique.

The melting pot of New York City changed her profoundly; according to Kaoru "it opened my mind and let me know who I am." She discovered herself and had a story to tell through her music. After receiving her BFA degree from City College, Kaoru began performing in clubs around New York, but the needs of her family have drawn her back to Osaka. The CD, "Footprints in New York," is her dedication and farewell to the city that taught her so much about American jazz.

Her selections are primarily compositions associated with the great jazz masters she admires so much. Currentlly, she's been working as a teacher in schools and performing in Japan. Her CD release gig at Cornelia Street Cafe in New York was held and succeeded on Feb. 2009. Her CD was reviewed and recommended as Hot New CD for Summer 2009 on one of the famous jazz magazine in New York, Jazz Improv Magazine on June 2009. She has been known as a remarkable.

Influences
The People who I've met. The Nature surrownding me. I got influences from not only singers, also horn players a lot. I just want to be a part of music. - - - - - Favorite singer - - - - Tierney Sutton, Irene Kral, Frank Sinatra, Mari Shinonome.



from Kaoru's CD "Footprints in New York" recorded in New York 2008.
http://www.myspace.com/kaoruazuma
Kaoru Azuma - vocal
Scott Reeves - Flughelhorn
Mike Holober - Pf
Rob Morse - Bass
Paolo Orlandi - Drums