TSUTAKAWA, DEEMS

Homebase: Seattle, WA
Stats: January 1, 1952 -- February 25, 2021
Misc Notes:  Text adapted from The Seattle Times:

"Deems Akihiko Tsutakawa was born in Seattle on Jan. 21, 1952. His father was the renowned sculptor George Tsutakawa, his mother classical musician Ayame Tsutakawa.

[He] found his voice as a jazz pianist while attending Franklin High School. While still a teenager, said Mayumi, he performed professionally 'at hundreds of weddings and events.' The work was good, and it set him up for his adult career both as a soloist and playing with small ensembles. Over subsequent decades, he became a noted composer, arranger and close collaborator with other musicians, including his younger brother, Marcus Tsutakawa.

Coming of age in the 1960s and early ’70s, Tsutakawa was as taken by funk, blues and R&B as he was by jazz improvisation. A seamless blend of those influences is apparent in his playing, which was light of touch and buoyant, yet enriched by soul and Tsutakawa’s big heart.

In 1977, he established his own label, J-Town Records, releasing his first single, 'Okashi Na,' a quirky jazz piano tune, that same year. He followed that up with his first album, 1982’s Deems, and his second in 1986, Living Deems. The latter included an irresistible single, 'Tough Tofu,' always a highlight during his shows"

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