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.
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.
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)
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)
Discography
A Time of New Beginnings
Chie Imaizumi
Capri Records (2010)
With countless jazz CDs of original material by young, up-and-coming artists, jazz journalists and broadcasters can feel overwhelmed trying to uncover the gems among them. But composer/arranger Chie Imaizumi's ability to attract commissioned works and top players to perform her music gives her an edge, as she has been endorsed by veteran musicians. Randy Brecker is featured on flugelhorn in her turbulent "Information Overload," powered by its infectious vamp and spirited ensembles. The emotional ballad "Fear of the Unknown" showcases John Clayton's majestic, singing arco bass along with his precise pizzicato playing. "Sharing the Freedom" is a moving work commissioned by the U.S. Air Force Academy's Falconaires to be played at the 2008 Monterey Jazz Festival. Beginning with a gorgeous hymn-like introduction, it evolves into a peppy soulful setting with great solos by Clayton and alto saxophonist Steve Wilson. The humorous finale is "Fun and Stupid Song," blending Latin rhythms with unpredictable shifts and strong solos, with Scott Robinson being showcased on both sopranino and tenor sax. The future looks very bright for the talented Chie Imaizumi.
Unfailing Kindness
Chie Imaizumi
Capri Records (2007)
CAPRI RECORDS RELEASES “UNFAILING KINDNESS” THE STUNNING DEBUT FROM COMPOSER/ARRANGER CHIE IMAIZUMI
*Every decade or so, a gifted composer emerges onto the jazz scene. In the new millennium we have been graced with the joyfully spirited 27-year-old composer, arranger and conductor from Japan, Chie Imaizumi. Chie’s debut recording, Unfailing Kindness, takes us on a musical journey through far-away lands. Every piece tells a story. As she says, “My goal as a composer is to create music that brings happiness and joy to my listeners. My intention is to inspire moods and emotions within my audience that can range from tears of sadness to leaps of joy and laughter.” She continues, “When I create music, I want it to represent a person, place, idea, or feeling. I tailor my melodies and harmonies to fit the moods I want to create. I am not finished with a composition until I can listen to it and honestly feel the emotions that inspire the music.”
Sharing the Freedom
The United States Air Force Academy Band's Falconaires (2011)
US Air Force Falconaires release their new album named after the piece Imaizumi wrote. When she was asked to write a piece for them to play at the Monterey Jazz Festival, she said she looked back and thought of all the stories her grandmother told her. Chie wrote the latter to represent US/Japan relations since the end of WWII.
Voice vol.3
Youichi Hosohata (細畠洋一)
2000
Piano / Keyboard
Marguerite Monnot, dans l'ombre de Piaf (DVD - documentary)
Zoom Zoom production
(2005)
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