AMSTERDAM | Takuya Kuroda

Japanese multi-talent conquers New York with his mix of funk, hip-hop and souljazz. Takuya Kuroda’s playing is sure-footed and pure, whether on the horn, synth or Rhodes. On his new album Everyday he virtually dances among the infectious rhythms of his own creation. His trumpet playing pops and weaves and rings and his melodies are, as he puts it, “singable”. In his original compositions we hear influences from jazz as well as hip-hop and neo-soul. Born in Japan, trumpeter Takuya Kurado made his American breakthrough with the album Rising Son on Blue Note Records. This taut mix of jazz, funk and soul was produced by singer José James. Soon after, Kuroda played in the band of hip-hop legend DJ Premier, formerly of Gang Starr. He also performed with the Akoya Afrobeat Ensemble. Influences of all these projects can be heard in his current band. As a trumpeter, Takuya Kuroda has clearly developed his own style, with Clifford Brown and Roy Hargrove as his main examples.