About Chie Imaizumi

One of the most well-received musicians of her generation, composer and arranger Chie Imaizumi has won many awards as an ambitious and active voice in the jazz community. She has the distinction of being the recipient of the Herb Pomeroy Award, The Rocky Mountain Jazz Artist of the Year, and was recognized by DownBeat Critics Poll as a "Rising Star Composer & Arranger". Her work titled, “Adversity”, took Second Place in the jazz category of the International Songwriting Competition and Chie was featured as one of the New Faces of Jazz in the book, “The New Face of Jazz” (Random House). Her picture is also highlighted on the back cover along with Christian McBride and Wynton Marsalis.

Chie’s commissioned work has included pieces for the US Air Force Academy Band's Falconaires, USAFA Concert Band, Japan Air Self Defense Force Concert Band, Greg Gisbert, Jeff Hamilton, and the Consulate General of Japan to name a few. Regularly praised for her unique compositions and explosive energy, each piece tells a story that reflects a particular mood or style chronicling various experiences in her life. The vast range of emotions Chie expresses in her works takes listeners on a musical journey that cannot fail to engage and impress music fans around the world.

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Since 2010, Chie has been working side-by-side with John Clayton in preparation for major works as his primary orchestrator/copyist and has assisted, among others, Tommy LiPuma, Quincy Jones, Diana Krall, Paul McCartney, Natalie Cole, Metropole Orchestra, Michael Bublé, Leon Russell in this role.

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I believe this performance shattered many stereotypes of not only military musicians but also shattered stereotypes of what a female Japanese jazz composer can do for international relations.

- Jason Plosch (Major, The United States Air Force Band)

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I am quite impressed by her exceptional level of musicianship. The way she successfully combines her native influences with those found here in the United States is quite unique and unheard of. She impresses the highest caliber musician and audience member alike.
— John Clayton (Grammy Award Winning Composer/Conductor/Bassist)

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Discography