The Arts in New York City

Yasuyuki Takagi came to New York City from Japan 15 years ago aspiring to become a professional musician. His father’s classical Jazz music inspired Yasuyuki to begin playing the saxaphone at a young age. While studying muscianship, Yasuyuki worked through the day as a social worker. However, after the September 11th tragedy, he lost his job and became a full time performer. He formed his own band in 2002 which he named “Yaz” band. They became an official member of the Music Under New York title after auditioning against other subway performers in the spring of every year at the Grand Central Terminal. They continue to play after 10 years. Yaz Band was featured in Subway Idol hosted by Fox5 news and have played in Lincoln Center. The group consists of Eric Smith on the Keyboards, Sly Geralds playing the Bass, Shinya Miyamoto on Drums, Guitar played by Takeshi Hiwatari with understudies in each position. The group released a CD in 2003. The sound of their music is a combination of jazz and smooth R&B.

This entry was posted on Tuesday, December 11th, 2007 at 7:42 pm and is filed under