drummer

Born in Takamatsu City, Kagawa Pref., Japan.

Kaori started to learn the piano at the age 4 and in 1991 she graduated from the school of Music at Takamatsu Junior College, Majoring in classical piano.

Kaori began to play drums on her own initiative at the age 13.

She was particularly interested in Soul, R&B, Rock and Jazz music.

From 1991 to 1995, Kaori was based in Hiroshima where she qualified as a drum instructor under the R.C.C. Takeshi Inomata Drum School at YAMAHA Music Shops, Chugoku Region.

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Kaori was introduced Japan's best-known drummer, the late Motohiko Hino, in 1996. She started training in Tokyo under his supervision and in 1998 her professional drumming career began. Since that time Kaori has given many live performances nationwide leading her own bands. She has also worked as a side man for many of fellow musicians. She has performed with many famous Japanese musicians including; Terumasa Hino(tp), Kosuke Mine(ts), Takehiro Honda(pf), Fumio Karashima(pf) and more...

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In 2007 she moved to New York to broaden her music horizon. She is often playing in the New York City now. She plays at many venues, with many different musicians (Grammy winners and nominated musicians) and different kind music (Jazz, R&B, Soul, Rock, Jazz Latin, Pops, Haitian, Jewish, Opera, Musical etc...)
Performed at;
• United Nations
• Churches, Synagogue
• Art Center, Library, Museum
• Lincoln Center Jazz Club

• Smalls Jazz

• National Alliance for Musical Theatre

• Eugene O'Neill Theater Center
• 54 Below
• Green Room 42
and Jazz spots, Restaurants and Bars, Cabarets, Theaters, Studio recording, Video shooting, Festivals and Off Broadway etc... a lot.

Kaori loves playing Jazz, Soul, R&B, Rock, Pops. Also can play some percussions and keyboard.

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Member of : International Women in Jazz (IWJ)

                  Maestra

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