International recording artist Yukiko Matsuyama bridges eras and cultures. Her compositions for koto and western instruments delve into a joyous and celebrative blend of world and pop music.A 13-string zither or harp, the Koto is Japan's national instrument.  She delivers the sounds of the ancient 7th century instrument with authority and grace while managing to infuse elements of jazz, pop, new age, and world music into her mesmerizing compositions.  Born in Osaka, Japan, Matsuyama...

International recording artist Yukiko Matsuyama bridges eras and cultures. Her compositions for koto and western instruments delve into a joyous and celebrative blend of world and pop music.A 13-string zither or harp, the Koto is Japan's national instrument.  She delivers the sounds of the ancient 7th century instrument with authority and grace while managing to infuse elements of jazz, pop, new age, and world music into her mesmerizing compositions.  Born in Osaka, Japan, Matsuyama was classically trained at the Ikuta School of Koto from age 9. She received her professional certification and teaching credential in 1986.  In 1993 Matsuyama came to Los Angeles and began composing original music, blending the traditional sound of the koto with western music.  Her most recent CD, Crème Brulée, is a delicious feast which blends the Japanese flavors of the Koto with rhythms from around the world and features Greg Vail's soulful saxophone.  Last March she recorded with the Paul Winter Consort at the Miho Museum in Japan and is featured on Paul Winter's Grammy Winning CD; Miho -- Journey to the Mountain. Other notable musicians who Ms. Matsuyama has performed with include Munyungo Jackson, John York, Rei Aoo Dance Planet, Tadashi Namba, Hirotaka Ogawa, Diana Dentino, Koji Nakamura, James Gadson, Hiroyuki Hayashida , Zi Pang Trio, Austin Peralta, Mike Bennett & Reed Gratz. Discography: As leader: Kazaguruma (1999), Tsubomi (2003), Koto (2003) & Crème Brulée (2010). Other: Paul Winter Consort - Miho: Journey to the Mountain (2010) More info at: www.YukikoMatsuyama.com