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[ Boundless Jazz Fusion featuring 16-year-old drumming phenomenon YOYOKA ]San Jose, CA-based bassist Ken Okada began arranging big band charts during his college years in the ’90s in Japan and has been composing music ever since. His work is heavily influenced by Japanese/American jazz fusion, video game music, and modern/contemporary big band sounds.
In 2022, Ken met and jammed with then-13-year-old drumming prodigy Yoyoka. He was instantly captivated by her mature, solid groove and playful style. Without hesitation, he brought in Grammy Award-winning tenor saxophonist Ben Torres and DownBeat Magazine’s Rising Star guitarist Hristo Vitchev for a studio recording session for the band’s first album Square One. By the time of their second album, Young and Brave, the lineup expanded to include four-time Grammy-nominated pianist Murray Low, solidifying the band’s dynamic sound.
The group has performed at major venues and festivals including The Baked Potato (Los Angeles), SFJAZZ, Kuumbwa Jazz Center (Santa Cruz), Jamboree Jazz Club (Barcelona), San Jose Jazz Festival, and the Bansko International Jazz Festival (Bulgaria).
With its world-class lineup and shared passion for musical innovation, the Ken Okada Group continues to captivate audiences and forge its own voice in the contemporary jazz fusion scene.
Noriyuki Ken Okada – Bass, Composer & Leader
YOYOKA – Drums
Ben Torres – Tenor Sax
Hristo Vitchev – Guitar
Murray Low – Piano/Keyboard
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
310 S First St, San Jose, CA 95113-2803, United States
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