Takehiro Shimizu

Takehiro Shimizu, one of the most valued drummers on the international jazz scene, distinguishes himself by his expressive pathos and his ability to spread the teachings of the great masters (Art Blakey, Philly Jo Jones, Elvin Jones, Tony Williams) of the past to the new generations, using a personal style which underlines all of his versatility. He was born in 1983 in Hyogo, Japan. His great passion for jazz music and drums began when he was 12 and quickly grew up. In 1997, He won the first prize from the Student Jazz Festivals, held every year by Japan Association for Jazz Education. After a few years he met notable pianist Hitomi Nishiyama and he started playing with her in Osaka. In 2005 he won the Yokohama Jazz Promenade Competition, which is one of the biggest jazz contests in Japan with the Hitomi Nishiyama Trio and he also took the Senzoku Gakuin College of Music Award. In the same year, together with Katsuhiko Sasai(bass), Yoshichika Tarue(piano), Isao Wasano(percussion, drum) and Kenichi Tateiwa(produce), the Indigo Jam Unit was born. Its dynamic twin drums, sophisticated piano, and thick bass sound have appreciated in so many venues. In 2008, He moved to New York City. Takehiro currently plays and endorses CANOPUS Co., Ltd.