ERIKA

Originally from Fukuoka, Japan, Erika Matsuos musical journey began with classical piano lessons as a child and her singing originals in the all-girl rock group Tear Drops during her high school years. Their success of winning the first prize at the Japan 1995 Yamaha Teens Music Festival and She performed her original songs at Fukuoka Symphony Hall Her favorite artists are MondayMichiru, United Future Organization.Determined to hone her skills as a complete jazz artist, Erika came to New York in February 2000 and enrolled at The City College Of New York (CCNY) where she received her Bachelor's Degree in Fine Arts in jazz in May 2003. She performed several Shows as a guest vocalist with Latin Big Band lead by Ray Santos in 2001. In college, she studied voice with Sheila Jordan, Mark Murphy, and Jay Clayton,Jennette LoVetri and piano with Ray Gallon. She credits these instructions to shape and develop her fine sense of delivery, expression and style. She was one of the 10 finalists of Kobe Vocal Queen Competition in 2005. In New York City, Erika has performed at numerous jazz clubs and venues as a soloist. Her sold out show at Sweet Rhythm last year led to the management inviting her back to perform this fall. She is a regular choir member and featured soloist at the Grace Church in Harlem where she can be heard every Sunday.She had the latest recording in June 2006 that combines jazz, Latin music and her originals in her native language Japanese as well as English and Portuguese. Erika's CD was recorded in NYC with Jeb Patton on piano, David Wong on bass and Pete VanNostrand on drums.She won the first prize as jazz vocalist in 26'Asakusa Jazz contest on March 10, 2007. She also sung a jingle "So-Ken-Bi-cha" as famous green tea for Coca Cola company in Japan.Now You can watch this commercial on TV all over in Japan.(March 2007) You can find her article in Swing journal and Jazz Life as famous jazz magazine in Japan.(May 2007).She was appeared at Famous Jazz festival called "Ueno Jazz IN" in Tokyo(Summer 2007). She performed 20 places within a monthwith great pianist Jeb Patton(Jimmy Hearth's pianist) Summer 2008 in Japan.