"Local star Shimada has a love for darker colors and more complex musical influences, incorporating jazz and other ethnic sounds into a style that is deeply melodic, ?c" - Seattle Weekly

When you think of Japanese musicians performing in the U.S., one might think of genres such as alternative pop/rock, jazz, noise, and experimental music. Tokyo-born, Seattle based guitarist/singer/songwriter Aiko Shimada has her own unique approach. Victory Review in Seattle described her music as "a spacious, multi-faceted hybrid of jazz, progressive rock, folk and shades of many other influences."

In 2000, Aiko was offered a record project by the world-renowned composer/saxophonist John Zorn. The CD, Blue Marble was released under his label Tzadik, and distributed worldwide in 2001 (produced by New York/Seattle composer/multi-instrumentalist Eyvind Kang with the special guest appearance by Bill Frisell).

Aiko writes and sings songs in both Japanese (her native language) and English. She performs solo or with her band (Dave Carter on flugelhorn, Mark Collins on upright bass, and David Brogan on drums) throughout the Northwest as well as on the East and West coasts. She has collaborated with musicians like Robin Holcomb, Eyvind Kang, Bill Frisell, Lonnie Plaxico, Tucker Martine, Danny Barnes, and has opened for musicians such as Jane Siberry, Wayne Horvitz, Mount Analog, Living Daylight's Jessica Lurie, and Amy Denio.



a w a r d s

In 2001, Aiko became one of the four Artist Trust / Washington State Arts Commission Fellowship Award recipients in the music category. One the same year, the collaborative Japanese lullaby CD, Oyasumi, received a Gold Medal by Parents Choice Award.



r e l e a s e s (compact discs)

2001 Blue Marble (TZADIK)
produced by Eyvind Kang & Evan Schiller, special guests by Bill Frisell.

2001 Oyasumi (Koto World)
Japanese traditional songs and lullabies, Elizabeth Falconer on koto (Japanese harp)

2000 Sound (East Works Entertainment)
released in Japan only

2000 Another Full Moon (Bera)
Produced by Aiko Shimada and Tucker Martine.

1998 Window (Bera)
Produced by Aiko Shimada.

1995 Bright and Dark (Bera)
Produced by Aiko Shimada.