Nob Kinukawa

Biography
Press

Born and raised in the land of the rising sun, a Japan native bassist, Nob Kinukawa, first came to the United States in 1986 to attend the Berklee College of Music and the New England Conservatory in Boston, Massachusetts.

Receiving instructions under jazz masters such as Dave Holland and George Russell, he began actively performing in the New England area, which led him to acquire several awards, among them the "Abe Laboriel Jazz Master Award" and the "International Music Award". His unique style of 6 string bass enhanced by the endless possibilities of a mounted MIDI device brought him to New York City, where he has become one of the busiest session players and producers.

Since 1994, he has worked internationally with Gary Chaffee, Laco Deczi, Kenny Drew, Jr., Walter Fischbacher, George Garzone, Mick Goodrick, Hiro Honshuku, Cheikh Mbaye, Wolfgang Muthspiel, Dave Weckl, Jasmin Williams, David Wright and others. His credentials include his role as Music Director for "JFK94," the first official Jazz Festival held by Kyoto City in 1994.

He invited over 40 American musicians to this event, while he successfully organized master classes instructed by such talents as Dave Liebman, Mike Stern, and Dave Weckl. The festival was warmly received.