From the country of far west, alto saxophonist/composer Naoki Iwane has
been pursuing his endless journey to find the sound of his soul.
Naoki Iwane was born and raised in mid-size city called Okayama, Japan. His formal music education started when he was 3 years old. He enrolled in the Kawai Music School where he learned foundation of music. One year later, he transferred to Yamaha Music School where he picked up his first instrument, the piano. He studies classic piano and composition for 10 years. During those 10 years, he also studied pop/rock drums and he joined a rock back at age of 15. His high school career featured performances at a variety of local venues as a drummer.
Upon graduating from high school, Naoki relocated to Seattle where his attendance at the Seattle Central Community College led him to jazz. At the time he was still studying and taking jazz courses on drums until a neighbor who played Saxophone exposed him to a new sound. At age 20, Naoki purchased his first Saxophone from the neighbor. He drew on his previous musical skill to quickly become proficient on the instrument. One short year later, rapid development and growth led Naoki to the New School Universitys Jazz program in New York City.
During his time at the New School, Naoki had the opportunity to study and perform with many of the living masters. He was most closely guided by the tutelage of saxophonist George Garzone. In addition to Garzone, Naoki had classes and performances with Reggie Workman, and Junior Mance to name a few. Naokis strong recital performance awarded him a position on the New Schools promotional CD.
Naoki is currently finishing his masters degree in jazz at NYU while gradually becoming acclimated to NYCs vast jazz club scene. His debut album Desterted Island is now complete. It features George Garzone as a guest.
Naoki Iwanes musical journey has no end in site, but he will still keep moving toward it with vigor.
The Music Of George Garzone & The Triadic Chromatic Approach
