Yuichi Hirakawa

Born in Tokyo, Japan.

Started playing drumset in his high school days. Joined an wind ensemble, a jazz big band, several rock bands in Tokyo.

Percussionist/composer/ in production of Othello, at The Globe Tokyo Panasonic Theater in 1991.

Professional Diploma in performance and jazz composition at Berklee College of Music, Boston, MA. (fall 1994.) There, studied jazz drumming mainly with Joe Hunt, Jon Hazilla, and jazz composition with Gregg Hopkins and Jeff Friedman. Received the Cuccinello Percussion Award and Berklee Percussion Department Achievement Award during the course in Berklee. Meantime, Joined several bands outside the school in Boston, MA, with one of which performed in Kingston Jazz Improv. Jazz festival, NY.

M.A. (Master of Arts in Music) in major of jazz performance at The City College of New York, CUNY, NY. (spring 2000.) There, Studied jazz/contemporary drumming with Charli Persip, Kim Plainfield, jazz ensemble and arranging with Ron Carter.

Currently performing full time as an independent drummer mainly in New York City. Performed at Blue Note Jazz Club in New York as a band leader, Birdland Jazz Club in New York as the original drummer for Morris Brothers Band. Also performed in April Jazz Festival in Finland as a member of a R&B band. John Scofield, Ron Carter, John Abercrombie, Percy Heath, and Barry Harris are among many others that Yuichi has performed with.

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