Last month, Japanese musician Akiko Yano played in San Francisco for the first time in decades. Before her solo piano show at the Great American Music Hall, Akiko sat down with our Massari to discuss her nearly 50-year genre-busting musical legacy. Tune in on Friday, November 1st at 4pm to hear their conversation.
From her first album, Japanese Girl, in 1975 to her latest release, I Want To See You So Badly, a collaboration with NASA mission specialist Soichi Noguchi, Akiko’s artistry is one of a kind. Every period of her career is worthwhile. Her distinct “Akiko-ness” is a consistent joy of the senses through an output of ever-evolving styles and collaborators. From Japanese/Western R&B Fusion, dance-pop, synth-pop, jazz piano, folk, rock, and on and on. Producing works with Little Feat, Pat Metheny, The Chieftains, Lyle Mays, Fania All Stars, Japan, Charlie Haden, Bill Frisell, Thomas Dolby, Rei Harakami, David Spinozza, Rick Marotta, and so many more of the most important players of the last century. One of her most prominent collaborations is with the pioneers of Techno Pop, Yellow Magic Orchestra. Not only were the three members of YMO her backing band on her 80s albums and tours, but she was also a touring member of YMO from the start of their worldwide success.
Over the last decade, a new generation of music lovers, from Clairo to Mac DeMarco, has come across Akiko Yano’s exceptionally talented works through re-releases from the label Wewantsounds. These pivotal albums are the first to be released outside of Japan, and hopefully, more will be on the way. More of her peerless discography has dropped on streaming in the last year. It sounds like Akiko has no plans of stopping and enjoys the newfound love in the West. You can even find her on Stones Throw Records‘ new covers compilation of fellow Yellow Magic Orchestra legend Haruomi Hosono, out the same day this airs, November 1st, 2024.
