About the Artist

The MIYUMI Project is one of the longest-standing amalgams, drawing upon the aesthetics of Japanese traditional music and Chicago’s creative jazz and experimental music scene. The presentations are improvised compositions that stem from a conceptual framework for each band member to interpret, which is then transformed into a contemporary musical immersion for the audience. Each successive grouping of MIYUMI Project musicians over the past two decades have contributed to the unique blending of modern application with traditional sensibility. In 2017 the band was chosen as the official musical presenters for both the groundbreaking and unveiling of Yoko Ono’s “Skylanding Project”, which resulted in the Yoko Ono produced, “SKYLANDING” album. Tatsu Aoki and his featured ensemble offer a fusion of Avant-garde jazz interwoven with traditional taiko drumming, it is an innovative, energetic musical experience. The “Best of MIYUMI Project” Double Vinyl and CD was released in 2020 by FPE records, celebrating the 20th Anniversary of the band.

The current roster of Tatsu Aoki’s MIYUMI Project includes creative musicians: Mwata Bowden, Coco Elysses, Edward Wilkerson Jr., Jamie Kempkers, and Kioto Aoki.