Performing for over six decades, Akiyoshi is known for her challenging and full-textured arrangements that sometimes evoke her homeland, Japan. Toshiko Akiyoshi Trio performed with Vincent Dupont (bass) and Mark Taylor (drums) at the Jazz Forum on Friday, January 26 and Saturday, January 27 at 7 and 9pm both nights.

Salina: Toshiko, what do you want to say to your fans?

Toshiko Akiyoshi: I’m actually very appreciative that people came to listen. I hope that people who just listen to records will come out to the jazz club to listen to all the jazz musicians. It’s a live performance. There’s nothing like it. There are not that many jazz clubs, but they are all over the world and they support our living. It is special music, so hopefully people will come out and support the musicians.

Salina: What do you think about the club?

Toshiko Akiyoshi: Very supportive audience. Very warm. And I think that’s kind of nice because it’s not always like that. Some clubs are not quite like that. The people are probably listening, but here, it’s like a neighborhood gathering and I like that. I think it’s wonderful to play for a place like this. People are very warm and it makes me feel like the people really wanted us.