Akiko Tsuruga (Organ) Favorite Musicians: Dr. Lonnie Smith & Brother Jack McDuff

Interviewed & Written by Yozo Iwanami

Akiko Tsuruga is a rare case for breaking into the scene as a Hammond organist among young female Japanese talents. Her performance at Showman's in Harlem two years ago was quite impressive. The authentic sound, groove and spirit of jazz were represented admirably in her playing. She has been highly reputed by such established musicians as Grady Tate (Drums) and Frank Wes (T-Sax & Flute) and sought out by numerous musicians who are quite selective in choosing an organist to play with.


At Showman's, she secured regular shows for about a year with mostly other female Japanese musicians.

This is an interview with Akiko Tsuruga, including her debut album, Harlem Dreams and her recent activities. She was born in Amagasaki-city, Hyogo and started her organ lessons at the age of three. Having a Christian mother provided her with the opportunity to grow up listening to church music. Her college years at the music school in Osaka lead her into jazz music, and during this time she studied piano with Zensho Otsuka. After graduating from college, she started performing professionally and taught herself how to play Hammond organ. Located nearby Blue Note in Osaka, Don Shop had an organ and it soon became her hangout back in the day. During jam sessions at the store, she was encouraged to play the organ by the frequent opportunity provided to her over the piano. She also met Grady Tate at that jazz club.

She moved to the US in 2001 and started performing in the New York City area. While in New York City, she has shared the stages with such jazz musicians as Grady Tate, George Benson (Guitar), Russell Malone (Guitar) and Randy Johnson. Additionally, she became friends with Frank Wes (T-Sax & Fl) and Satoshi Inoue (Guitar) both of whom made an appearance on her first album.

Her sound assimilates the funkiness of Brother Jack McDuff and she is adroit in playing blues. In New York, Dr. Lonnie Smith became her mentor for her organ playing and she continued to hone her piano skills through Roland Hanna. Last Year, Time Out magazine introduced her as a rising jazz organist who is full of potential.

Furthermore, in January of this year, she performed at Blue Note in New York with Grady Tate and she has monthly performances at Cleopatra's Needle, located on 92nd St. with her own group. Dr. Lonnie Smith and Jack McDuff are the organists she admires the most. Her presence will soon be recognized in Japan. "Hammond Organ Complete", on which she assisted with translation, will be sold in the near future.