introduction

Based in New York City, the experimental music group KIOKU creates a new terrain between traditional Asian music and collaborative improvisation. The trio consists of Wynn Yamami (taiko and percussion), Christopher Ariza (live electronics), and Ali Sakkal (saxophones). While grounded in historical musical practices, KIOKU (Japanese for "memory") embraces the plasticity of tradition and freely employs improvisational and avant-garde musical techniques.

This site provides images, music samples, videos, information on upcoming performances and workshops, and booking information.

news

New CD Reviews
Reviews of KIOKU's debut CD Both Far and Near: JazzReview.com, Tokafi, All About Jazz: New York, Chain D.L.K., and experimusic.com

Artist Residency at Issue Project Room
KIOKU is pleased to announce its artist-in-residency at Issue Project Room. The first event will be a full performance along with a CD release party of Both Far and Near on Quiet Design Records. In the months to follow, KIOKU will be hosting and collaborating with some of New York's most exciting and respected musicians, including cellist Daniel Levin, saxophonist Rob Brown, violinist Jason Kao Hwang, kayagum and ajang player Sang Won Park, Bradford Reed, and drummer Ravish Momin.

New CD Released
KIOKU's debut CD Both Far and Near is now available for purchase: KIOKU @ Amazon.com, KIOKU @ CD Baby.

KIOKU @ MySpace
See KIOKU @ MySpace for additional images and information.