Akio Yokota

Akio Yokota

AKIO played guitar since he was 12, and studied under Jazz Guitar master Ikuo Shiosaki from 15. Immediately after graduating from high school, his professional career began. (1981) "Day By Day" Record Debut (1986) "My Romance" 1st Leader Album "Mysty2" Leader Album (2004) "Double Face" Leader Album In 2001, AKIO became a guitarist of jazz unit FRIED PRIDE, and released their first album "Fried Pride" from the US Concord label. They were the first Japanese artist to release the album from Concord. (2001) "Fried Pride" Swing Journal Magazine Gold Disc Award FRIED PRIDE released 11 albums with guest recording artists such as Marcus Miller, Mike Mainieri, Sheila E., Gil Goldstein and others. Performed live around the world including the Blue Note New York. (2002) "Street Walking Woman" 2nd Album w/Drum & Percussion Sheila E. --"Close To you" Ending theme for music documentary on TV Tokyo (2004) "That's My Way" 4th Album w/M. Miller, G. Goldstein, M. Mainieri & others (2012) "LIFE --- source of energy" 9th Album --"Caesar's Dream" CM song for Menard cosmetic Suffered a stroke at the age of 53, AKIO temporary lost speech and mobility, and was unable to play guitar. After months of rehabilitation with his passion towards music, AKIO has fully recovered and even refined his Virtuoso technique. In 2015, AKIO's new challenge as a solo guitarist began. He has performed live in Germany, France, Luxembourg, and continue to expand his play-ground around the world. Germany Berlin - The Hat Berlin - Café Cinema France Lyon - La Clef de Voute Lyon - St. George Grenoble - Le NESS Luxembourg Echternach - Trifolion