Tommy PiaNica SOUL
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Artist Profile
Tommy PiaNica SOULFormed by the trailblazer of the keyboard harmonica industry, Tommy CHO, the band "Tommy PiaNica Soul!".
Tommy, the leader, began studying calligraphy and sumi-e painting under his father, a Chinese poet and calligrapher, from a young age. He started playing the piano at the age of 4 and the trumpet at 12. While majoring in instrumental music at Osaka College of Music, he began his performance career. He composed opening music for Spain's Joaquin Grillo and Rafael Amargo, and collaborated with Antonello Messina of the Swiss Jazz Orchestra, as well as African percussionist BB Mofran and Herbie Thompson. Tommy achieved collaborations with world-class artists.
In 1995, he was severely affected by the Great Hanshin Earthquake, leading to a halt in his performance activities. In the midst of despair, he found a discarded keyboard harmonica amidst the rubble of the earthquake. By salvaging it, he formed the keyboard harmonica band "Tommy PiaNica Soul!".
Through the life-or-death experience, he resumed his performance activities driven by the desire to convey his message. In 1996, he launched the "Tommy Cocolo Project" and engaged in disaster recovery support activities on-site for events such as the Taiwan earthquake, the Wenchuan earthquake in China, and the Great East Japan Earthquake. He also provided instruments and performances to orphaned children.
In 2006, he won a national audition and was selected as the Japanese representative for the SXSW 2007 World Music Festival, garnering international attention for his keyboard harmonica sound. In the same year, he also toured France and was invited to the prestigious music festival "Fete de la musique," with a special program dedicated to him on French-Montblanc TV.
His activities have also garnered attention in Japan, with special features on NHK and appearances on TV Asahi's program "Kiss Hama Learning," where he performed with the idol group Kis-My-Ft2, showcasing his impressive keyboard harmonica techniques and popularizing the Kenhamo boom nationwide. He has also worked as a sound producer, releasing music from Victor Records, and enjoys the trust and admiration of artists both domestically and internationally. Keep an eye on Tommy's captivating sound!
Genre: HealingJazzRock
MEMBER
ErryRole: Flute Sax Synthesizer
EmikoRole: Drums
KanaRole: Chorus
EriRole: Keyboards
HumanNatureSound