“ Definitely one heck of a jazz singer ”- Edward Blanco, Jazz Critic

“ Her performance is a euphoric escape for all ”- Karl Stober, Jazz Critic

“ Taeko is one of the best of her generation.”- Juanita Fleming, Jazz & Gospel Singer/Actress

Private Studies with:

Juanita Fleming – Gospel and Jazz Singer, Actress, Voice Trainer
Marion Cowings - Jazz Singer, Lyricist, Actor, the first disciple of Jon Hendricks
Barry Harris - Legendary Jazz Pianist, Jazz Educator

Born and raised in Japan, Taeko came to New York City in 1998 to expand her singing career and discovered the world of Jazz. Her intense jazz study, coupled with a naturally appealing voice and unique musical ideas, have earned her performances in some of New York City's best known jazz clubs, including Blue Note, Minton’s Playhouse, Kitano, Zinc Bar, and St. Nick’s Pub and an honor to be the finalist in 2008 Jazz Mobile Vocal Competition. Taeko conducts entire country tour to Japan every year.

Taeko was featured in the Women in Jazz Festival (NY) in April 2009 which also featured the legendary Annie Ross. Taeko headlined at Pork Pie Hat Jazz Concert Series (CT) in November 2008, the historical Hartford Jazz Society’s Monday Night Jazz Concert Series (CT) in July 2009, and Newburgh Jazz Series (NY) in August 2009.

ONE LOVE” (2007/Flat Nine Records) introduces the young star and is one of the best vocal albums in recent years. “Taeko has remarkable range and vocal command, able to manipulate normal notes into tapestries of sound. She tempers deep soulfulness reminiscent of Anita Baker with sophisticated scatting a la Ella Fitzgerald. The combination is a treat and never feels forced,” wrote a jazz critic Jordan Richardson.

Influences
Billy Holiday, Sarah Vaughan, Betty Carter, Shirley Horn, Miles Davis, Joe Henderson, Milt Jackson, Jimi Hendrix, Donny Hathaway, Roberta Flack, Curtis Mayfield, Jill Scott, Erykah Badu, Floetry, Chaka Khan, Yolanda Adams, Luther Vandross, Anita Baker, Doug Richardson, Aaliyah, Roots, Cedar Walton, Eddie Jefferson, Richard Smallwood, Kirk Franklin, Marvin Gaye, Bill Withers.
http://www.songbirdtaeko.com/