Akira Sakata (alto sax, cl, vo) is one of the most well known and respected Japanese free jazz players, he will be performing with London-based Japanese performer Yumi Hara Cawkwell (key, vo) and guest drummer Asaf Sirkis. Performance includes audience participatory pieces devised by Akira Sakata.

AKIRA SAKATA

Akira Sakata is one of the most well known and respected free jazz players and a household name in Japan. He has performed in continental Europe, and collaborated with many international musicians such as Bill Laswell and Jim O’Rouke. However, his only appearance in the UK was in the ‘70s with the Yamashita Yousuke Trio, and this will be the first occasion for London audience to experience one of his live performances which will draw on a wide range of musical influences such as Japanese traditional folk music and Western art music.

http://www.warabi.ne.jp/~daphnia-pulex/english/e_profile.html

YUMI HARA CAWKWELL

Yumi Hara Cawkwell is a UK based Japanese composer/performer. Her groundbreaking works, challenging geographical boundaries and the divisions between genres, gained critical acclaim and several awards,and she was a finalist in the British Composer Awards 2006. She is currently collaborating with Hugh Hopper (Soft Machine) as HUMI and Geoff Leigh (ex-Henry Cow). HUMI's debut album 'Dune' gained her international recognition and she is number four jazz keyboard player in the 30th Annual Jazz Station Poll. She is a lecturer in Music at the University of East London.

www.yumiharacawkwell.co.uk

ASAF SIRKIS

Israel-born drummer/composer Asaf Sirkis quickly established his reputation in British jazz and world music scene since his arrival in London in 1999. His CD ‘Exile’ with Gilad Atzmon (The Orient House Ensemble) won the 'Best CD of the Year' at the BBC Jazz Award 2003 and was nominated in the ‘Best Band’ categpry in 2004. His band Inner Noise's debut CD was chosen as one of the best albums of 2005 at the CHUOFM89 radio jazz station in Canada, and the third album ‘The Song Within’ was selected as one of the best albums of 2007 at the ‘All About Jazz’ web-site by John Kelman. He also works regularly with musicians such as Tim Garland, Larry Coryell, Jeff Berlin, Gary Husband, Norma Winstone, Andy Sheppard, Simon Fisher Turner, John Etherigde and more.

Official event of JAPAN-UK 150