Acclaimed Japanese jazz pianist Chihiro Yamanaka brings her virtuosic trio to Shanghai for a night of genre-defying brilliance, blending fiery originals with reimagined classics like Moon River and The Girl From Ipanema. Backed by powerhouse drummer Genki Hashimoto and bassist Ryo Hatakeyama, this Decca Records star delivers the sophisticated spontaneity that’s earned her NHK Symphony collabs and global sold-out shows.

Performance Lineup

Chihiro Yamanaka

Chihiro Yamanaka is one of Japan’s most internationally acclaimed jazz pianists, composers, and arrangers, renowned for her technical brilliance, dynamic performances, and innovative fusion of traditional jazz with contemporary influences. In 2011, she made history as the first Japanese female jazz pianist to sign with the major American label Decca Records. With 26 albums to her name—each topping Japan’s jazz charts—her discography reflects her enduring popularity. Her latest album, Carry On (October 2024), pays tribute to jazz legend Bud Powell and composer Henry Mancini, recorded in New York and mastered by Greg Calbi. It quickly topped pre-order charts on iTunes and HMV. Her previous album, Dolce Vita, also achieved critical and commercial success, dominating sales on Amazon, Tower Records, and iTunes.

A mainstay on the global jazz scene, Yamanaka has performed at prestigious venues worldwide, including the Tokyo Jazz Festival (with Dee Dee Bridgewater), sold-out shows at Blues Alley in Washington, D.C., New York’s Apollo Theater, Beijing’s Blue Note (four consecutive sold-out nights), and Vienna State Opera. She has collaborated with legends like Wayne Shorter in A Tribute to Miles Davis and performed Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue with the NHK Symphony Orchestra.

Her accolades include the 23rd Japan Gold Disc Award, Swing Journal Jazz Disc Award, and the 2018 NISSAN PRESENTS JAZZ JAPAN AWARD for Album of the Year (Utopia). With her relentless innovation and virtuosity, Yamanaka stands as one of Asia’s most influential jazz musicians today.

Genki Hashimoto | Drums

Born in Hyogo in 1987, Genki Hashimoto began drumming at age six and immersed himself in diverse musical styles from a young age. A graduate of YAMAHA Music Academy and a student of St. James’ Takeshi Tanaka, he is an official endorser of Bosphorus Cymbals. In 2014, he released his debut album, BRILLIANT JAZZ MACHINE, showcasing his versatile percussion style.

In 2020, he co-founded the label Brilliant Works with DJ Penny, releasing EPs Lasagna and Red Soup during the pandemic. He has performed with Chihiro Yamanaka’s trio and the Tokyo Symphony Orchestra at Olympus Hall, as well as at Blue Note Tokyo, Billboard Osaka, and KIRIKO LOUNGE. His production work on Misa Umei’s humoresque reached #2 on Japan’s jazz charts. Blending modern techniques (like Gospel Chops) with deep jazz roots, Hashimoto is a rising force in Japan’s jazz drumming scene.

Ryo Hatakeyama | Bass

A jazz bassist from Kobe, Ryo Hatakeyama started on electric bass at 18 before switching to upright bass and studying at Koyo Conservatory under Hatsumi Ueyama. He later earned a scholarship to Berklee College of Music, learning under R. Mahdi and J. Lockwood, and honed his skills in Boston’s live music scene.

His debut album, Mosaic Structure (2018), and follow-up Crab Nebula (2021) reflect his philosophy of “honoring tradition while pursuing individuality.” His composition Two in One was a finalist in the International Songwriting Competition (USA). He has performed internationally at festivals like the Taipei International Jazz Festival and Europa Fest, sharing stages with artists such as Eiji Kitamura, Fumio Itabashi, Benny Green, and John Pizzarelli.

Song List

• Ai Shiteru, Ai Shitenai
• *Desafinado 1-29-25*
• The Girl From Ipanema
• Hallucinations
• Hanon Twist
• Impulsive
• Liebesleid
• Moon River
• So Long
• Sunflower
• Un Poco Loco
• Yagibushi

Actual setlist subject to change.

• Jazz & Concerts