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Aki Takase

pianist, composer,

About Me

Aki Takase (Pianist, Composer)

Born in Japan, lessons of piano since 3 years old, later on studies of music at Tohogakuen Music University.

Since 1978 several stays in the USA. Many concerts & recordings in Japan with Dave Liebman, Lester Bowie, Joe Henderson, Cecil McBee..

1981 first concert in Germany at Jazzfestival Berlin/Philharmonie. Since 1987 live in Berlin. Intensive work with Alex von Schlippenbach (Berlin Contemporary Jazz Orchestra) and other musicians of the European New Jazz. (Evan Parker, Paul Lovens, Han Bennink, Tony Oxley...)

In Duo with Maria Joao(1987-1994), with David Murray. in Trio with Rashed Ali and Reggie Workman. in Stringquartet (tour with Tristan Honsinger a.o.) Since 1996 play in Duo with Rudi Mahall.

“Berliner Zeitung Award” 1999 The German Record Critics Award :

1990 “Play Ballad for Duke Ellington”(with Gunther Klatt) 1991 “Shima Shoka” (Solo) 1994 “Blue Monk” (Duo with David Murray ) 1998 “Duet for Eric Dolphy” (Duo with Rudi Mahall ) 2002 “St. Louis Blues” (W.C.Handy Project)

1997-2002 guest professor at Musikhochschule in Berlin.

The “SWR-Jazz Award” 2002

The German Record Critics Award of 2004: “aki takase plays fats waller”