Atsuko Hashimoto,Jazz Organist BIO

Born in Osaka, Atsuko started to play the organ at the age of four.
She began to explore the B3 starting with popular songs and cutting her teeth on such jazz classics as Duke Ellington's Take the A Train. She studied classical music for several years before choosing to dedicate herself to jazz music and the jazz organ.

In 1992 she fronted her own quartet at the Osaka Jazz Festival and Naniwa Arts Festival.

In 1999 she debuted in the US, playing at clubs in New Orleans and Pearls club in San Fran-cisco, where she performed with guitarist Bruce Forman's group. In 2000 she shared the
stage with Brother Jack Mc-Duff and his band on tour in Japan, and in September appeared
with Dr. Lonnie Smith at Blue Note Osaka. That year she released her first CD, "Jazz Organ Tribute".
2001 saw Atsuko return to California, playing at the San Jose Jazz Festival and The Baked Potato in Los Angeles, Kuumbwa Jazz Center in Santa Cruz . Atsuko cut another CD in 2003
"Full Organ" with a trio featuring guitarist Yutaka Hashimoto and drummer Jimmie Smith.

At the 40th [Osaka] Naniwa Arts Festival in 2003, Atsuko received several awards for her outstanding achievements in music including the Shoji Nakayama Jazz Award, the Progressive Musician's Prize, and Awards from the Osaka Governor and Mayor. In 2005, Atsuko released
Songs We Love with performances by Yutaka Hashimoto, drummer Juasa Kano, and featuring singers Harvey Thompson, Toni Scruggs and Elijah Levi.