Keiko Komaki

Biography

Keiko Komaki, an accomplished keyboardist, pianist, composer, and arranger, was born and raised in Kagoshima, Japan, where she began studying classical piano with her aunt at the age of five. She demonstrated early passion and dedication, graduating from Kunitachi College of Music with a degree in music. While classically trained, Komaki developed a fascination for improvisation, funk, blues, and jazz fusion, performing at venues in Tokyo with groups like Chillhaze, which specialized in New Orleans-style funk.[1][2][3]

In 2006, Komaki made the bold decision to move to New Orleans despite family opposition, immersing herself in the city's vibrant music scene. She quickly joined the band of Blues Queen Marva Wright, learning blues under bandleader Benny Turner, brother of Freddie King. Following Wright's passing, Komaki became a fixture in New Orleans, performing on Frenchman Street with acts like Brass-a-holics and Gary Brown, and collaborating with Vasti Jackson, Charlie Wooton, George Porter Jr., and others at iconic venues like the Maple Leaf Bar. Her punchy, shuffle style blended classical grace with funky, dynamic energy across blues, funk, rock, and jazz.[1][2][3][4]

In 2013, producer Mark Johnson recruited her for the Playing for Change (PFC) project, where she played keyboards on tracks like 'Better Place' and 'Down by the Riverside,' leading to a worldwide tour with the PFC Band across 20 countries and prestigious stages such as the United Nations, John F. Kennedy Center, and New Orleans Jazz Festival, sharing bills with artists like the Doobie Brothers and Keb' Mo'. Since 2021, she has focused on her own projects, including the Keiko Komaki Band, the KJD Trio with June Yamagishi and Donald MaGee, and the Marc Stone Band, solidifying her legacy as a bridge between Japanese roots and New Orleans music.[1][2][3][4]

Fun Facts

• Moved to New Orleans in 2006 against her family's wishes to pursue her passion for the city's funk and jazz, despite never having played blues before joining Marva Wright's band.
• Featured in the 2019 Playing for Change video 'The Weight' alongside Robbie Robertson of The Band, Ringo Starr of The Beatles, and Marcus King, which received coverage from Rolling Stone.
• Performed at the United Nations and John F. Kennedy Center with Playing for Change, as well as representing New Orleans in Australia for three consecutive years.
• Her father wanted her to pursue a stable job after college, but she chose to become a full-time keyboard player inspired by New Orleans music.

Associated Acts

• Playing For Change Band

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Aunt (unnamed) - Initial classical piano teacher (Early childhood training) [Age 5 onward]
• Benny Turner - Band leader who taught her blues after joining Marva Wright's band (Marva Wright band performances; Benny Turner band) [2006 onward]
• Marva Wright - Blues Queen of New Orleans; first major band leader in New Orleans (Live performances and tours) [2006 until Wright's passing]

Key Collaborators

• Marva Wright - Keyboardist in her band (Club performances and tours) [2006 until Wright's passing]
• Benny Turner - Keyboardist in his band after Wright (Band performances) [Post-Wright onward]
• Vasti Jackson - Keyboardist; represented New Orleans in Australia; introduced to Playing for Change (Tours in Australia; PFC recordings) [2000s-2013]
• Charlie Wooton - Renowned bass player; regular performances (New Orleans shows, festivals, Atlanta gigs) [2000s onward]
• George Porter Jr. - New Orleans funk legend; performances (Live shows) [2000s onward]
• Playing for Change Band - Official keyboardist; worldwide tours ('Better Place,' 'Down by the Riverside,' 'The Weight' video; tours in 20 countries) [2013-2019+]
• Marc Stone - Current band member (Marc Stone Band) [Recent]
• June Yamagishi and Donald MaGee - Trio members (KJD Trio; Keiko Komaki Trio) [Recent]

External Links

• Spotify
• MusicBrainz