BIOGRAPHY
Established in Los Angeles, CA in 2008.
Our mission is to embrace the Japanese traditional root music, "Minyo" and to continuously move forward, sharing our music so that we can all learn more about Culture, the Tradition & Daily Lives of its Ancestors, and its Beauty.
The group, led by jazz guitarist/shamisen player, Yu Ooka, blends the "Minyo" with various contemporary genres.
Minyo has been a very important part of Japanese culture for centuries.
The group features traditionally trained vocals and instruments combined with western instruments to emphasize the various melodies and expand the rhythms with the best musicians.
Marisa Kosugi / Vocals ......
was born in Berkeley, Ca. She is the daughter of Minyo legend, Madame Matsutoyo Sato who is one of the pioneers in bringing Minyo to the United States. Marisa apprenticed under Japan’s renowned Minyo singer, Madame Makiko Kosugi to learn the traditional style of the Japanese culture and arts. She apprenticed for 3-years learning the language and etiquette so she would have the capability to assist her mother and continue to share Minyo with others.
Yu Ooka / Guitars & Shamisen ......
was originally from Osaka, Japan. Graduated Koyo Conservatory in Kobe, Japan and moved to Los Angeles, California in US in 2004. Soon after his movement, he started performing with the jazz legends, Billy Mitchell and Barbara Morrison name a few.
He released his jazz CD, "Vegas Drive" in 2016, and his songs are featured on radio stations in US, Japan and Europe.
He is also known as a shamisen player and received a certified name, "Yu Sato Matsutoyo" from the Minyo legend, Sato Matsutoyo in 2007.
With his versatility of music, he combines from Minyo to Jazz, R&B, Motown and Rock!
Besides his work for TV stations & radio stations, he worked with...
Billy Mitchell, Barbara Morrison, Patrice Rushen, Michael Paulo, Thelma Houston, The Supremes, Eric Marienthal and many more.
Kimo Cornwell / Keyboards ......
Known as one of the best keyboardist from Hawaii. Besides his R&B work with Al Jarreau, Maze and Franky Beverly, he is a member of the legendary Grammy Nominated Fusion group, HIROSHIMA over 30 years.
More participated musicians;
Jervonny "JV" Collier / Bass ......
Kerry Griffin / Drums ....
Natsu "Summer " Matsutoyo / Vocals ....
Noriko Itakura / Vocals ....
Miki Matsutoyo / Shamisen ....
Zan Matsutoyo / Shamisen....
Dane Matsumura / Bass ....
Kenny Elliott / Drums ....
Michael Saucier / Bass ....
Miles Senzaki / Drums ....
Sachi "Nina" Uemura / Shamisen ....
Nana Kaneko / Taiko ....
Land Richards / Drums ....
Kenny Endo / Taiko ....
Yui Matsutoyo / Vocals ....
Richard Taylor / Bass ....
Arno Lucas / Percussions ....
Mike Smith / Percussions ....
Dave Iwataki / Keyboards ....
Tetsuya Nakamura / Harmonica, percussions ....
Donald Barrett / Drums ....
Trevor Ware / Bass ....
MinyoStationAdvisor: MatsutoyoSato of MatsutoyoKai est. 1966
"This project is supported, in part, by the Los Angleles County Board of Supervisors through the Los Angleles County Arts Commission.
Non-Profit Organization 501(c)(3)