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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
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