Andy Suzuki

Andy Suzuki illustrates a musical panorama of deep shadow and dazzling light. With the release of his eponymous debut, both sides of Suzuki -- the virtuoso saxophonist and the prolific composer -- are addressed in two separate CDs: acoustic and electric.

Suzuki has performed and recorded with an illustrious roster of jazz innovators including Dave Brubeck and Chick Corea. He has been a key player in sessions with John Patittucci, Alex Acuna and Don Was, as well as a recording and touring member of both David Benoit's band and Kilauea. With his own debut, Suzuki has distilled these influences to create a work infused with vivid musical colors and stunning technique; realized through sheer, evocative artistry.

Growing up in a multi-national family (his mother is Finnish, his father Japanese) gave Suzuki an unequivocal world view. His formal musical training began at age eleven in Japan. By age thirteen, living in the United States, it was clear that music was his path.

A scant five days after graduation from high school in Washington State, Suzuki was on his way to Los Angeles. Eventually, through a series of informal jam sessions and low-paying gigs, he forged the contacts and reputation leading to high-profile session and live work. His feature film and television dates have included George of the Jungle, Beverly Hills 90210, and Northern Exposure.

The spot in Kilauea defined a major career step. He recorded and toured with the group, and was a prominent soloist in concerts and festivals across the U.S. and around the world. After jamming with recording artist David Benoit on a jazz cruise, he was invited to join Benoit's stellar band. Subsequently, Suzuki has toured the U.S. and Asia with the best-selling smooth jazz artist. He is also a featured player on Benoit's album, Professional Dreamer.

Suzuki, an accomplished pianist, prefers to compose at the keyboard. He draws inspiration from literature; the works of authors include Umberto Eco and Stephen Hawking. He is also an avid mathematician, a skill he utilizes to define an underlying framework for his meticulous compositions. In addition, he has been profoundly influenced by artists including Klee, Kandinsky, and Frida Kahlo. "All of my music is very visual," says Suzuki, "I associate images with sound. When I compose, I see stories."

"I like to tinker with the internal guts of the music. It's a very rich world and very stimulating. I'm also trying to cover that skeleton with a skin that's emotional and then present it in some way -- exciting, scary or intense -- whatever the feeling. I feel there's a responsibility not to pander to the audience, but with jazz, if we take away the mystique of it being really complex and avant-garde so people aren't afraid of it, it will draw them in more."

"I'm just trying to do the music I love," concludes Suzuki. "I used to think that the world of music was this huge thing and I was a little dot. Now, rather than be consumed by music, I've found a friendly, healthy place for it. I used to feel more of an obligation to music and less to myself. How, I feel more responsibility to myself to do what's right: playing music is it."