Reviews from "Blue Sonata"

"It seems only a matter of time before many others will discover her strong musical talent." - Scott Yanow

"-- The U.S. and Chicago have gotten a wonderful gift in Chieko Yano. Her expert piano playing, as well as her great vocals and wonderful songwriting, make Chieko a very welcome addition to the jazz world. " -Bruce Von Steir

Chieko Yano - Pianist Profile

Chieko Yano is an intriguing and talented musician who is making a name for herself throughout the Midwest and beyond. Born in Yokohama, Japan, Yano began playing classical piano at the age of three. She developed her own musical vocabulary through the experience of various other instruments, including saxophone, voice, guitar, and bass. She received formal training from jazz pianist, Frank Caruso, and concert pianist, Michael Yanovitsky.

After working for several years as a vocalist, pianist, and arranger in Tokyo, Yano moved to Chicago in 1998. She soon appeared on the famed Chicago jazz scene as a pianist. She performed at such reputable venues as Pops for Champagne, Isaac Hayes Center, Hot House, Fitzgerald's, Smoke Daddy, Velvet Lounge, and M Lounge. She also began a long-running residency at Cafe Shino's Piano Bar .  

Yano's experience at these venues gave her the opportunity to perform with a number of respected musicians. She shared the stage with Winton Marsalis, Harold Jones, and Carl Allen. After she decided to settle in the United States, she started to reconsider her roots and origins. This led to a desire to incorporate Asian-influenced sounds into her brand of jazz. It was also at this time that Yano began focusing on her singing and vocal compositions.

Currently, Yano is performing in Chicago and the surrounding region. She sings in both Japanese and English. This flexibility is now an essential element to her sound. Live, Yano emphasizes improvisation and her piano playing. She considers herself a pianist who happens to sing, rather than a vocalist who plays the piano.

Chieko Yano's Credits

Chieko Yano has performed with:

Taku Akiyama, Carl Allen, Geof Bradfield, Vincent Davis, Savoir Faire, John Fedchock, Phil Gratteau, Harold Jones, Bob Long, Winton MarsalisScott Mason, Rob Parton, Marlene Rosenberg, Noritaka Tanaka, Mayo Tiana, Patrick Williams, Barry Winograd,

She has performed at:
 Jazz Showcase, Pops for Champagne, Greenmill,  Isaac Hayes Center, Hot House, Fitzgerald's, Smoke Daddy, M Lounge, Cafe Shino's Piano Bar, Meson Sabika, Velvet Lounge, Chicago's First Lady, Wendella Boat, Small Bar, Salvartore's Restaurant, Taste of Chicago, Tower Club, the Chicago Club, the Charleston, Hilton Hotels, Marriott, and the Congress Hotel