Moto Fukushima

Born in Kobe, Japan, and currently based in NYC. Six-string bass player, composer, and shamisen player.

He received the Outstanding Performer Award before graduating Summa Cum Laude from Berklee College of Music. His musical style is a unique combination of Western classical music, Japanese traditional music, and African-inspired music of South America, which is evident in his jazz improvisation. His playing is characterized by a remarkable blend of finesse, subtlety, and power.

He is a co-leader of the Brooklyn-based power trio, House of Waters. The band has released two albums on the Grammy Award-winning group Snarky Puppy's GroundUp label, with the first album reaching #2 on the iTunes World Music chart, and the second album hitting #4 on the iTunes Jazz chart.

His music has been featured in the Sports Emmy Award-winning piece on ESPN's "E60," and he won 3rd place in the International Songwriting Competition in 2014. He has also been the recipient of the ASCAP Plus Award.

His incredible talent has led him to collaborate with many notable artists, including Mike Stern, Leni Stern, Karsh Kale, Dave Weckl, Dave Eggar, Big Apple Circus, Alex Skolnick, and Gil Goldstein. He has also performed on Dave Eggar's Grammy-nominated album, "The Kingston Morning."

Gear

Endorsement includes Adamovic Bass, Aguilar Amplification, Adamovic Strings, LK Straps, Focusrite, and Avid Sibelius.

House of Waters: On Becoming

Read "On Becoming" reviewed by Jim Worsley

by Jim Worsley
October 7, 2023

Flowing in many directions yet forever staying in the moment is largely the challenge and artistic purpose of House of Waters. Here they once again bring forth new and creative concepts that are freely exchanged and intertwined. New beginnings, drawn from multiple sources, as well as further exploration of the past, create the wonder, awe, and awareness of On Becoming. The dulcimer was not part of mainstream culture until Max ZT put it on the map. Joining with six string ...

Album Review

Oscar Penas: Music Of Departures And Returns

Read "Music Of Departures And Returns" reviewed by Dan Bilawsky

by Dan Bilawsky
May 3, 2014

In putting together his fourth album, guitarist Oscar Penas looked to composers he connects with, songs that speak to him, and originals that fit comfortably with the rest. That's the concept here, plain and simple, and the end result is a thirty-eight minute beauty that's alluring and completely accessible. Two different rhythm sections and three guests come and go during these eight tracks, but Penas' presence ties everything together. The first three numbers--a cheery choro featuring clarinetist ...

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Album Review

Oscar Penas: From Now On

Read "From Now On" reviewed by Dan Bilawsky

by Dan Bilawsky
July 21, 2011

The music on From Now On is modern jazz marinated in the seductive flavors of Spain and South America. Guitarist Oscar Peñas' path lead him from Barcelona to Brooklyn, NY, and this geographic duality is ever-present in the intriguing blend of music that's presented on this, his debut for BJU records. While Iberian-influenced guitar lines often set the stage and thread their way through the music, this record goes well-beyond any single style or influence. Peñas' writing ...