Among the top jazz organists today, Akiko Tsuruga is like the title of her 2017 recording: "So cute, so bad."
Osaka born, but a New Yorker since 2002, Akiko performs with a strong and classic soulful, bluesy feel, like her mentor, the late Dr. Lonnie Smith. Since coming to prominence accompanying sax giant Lou Donaldson, each of Akiko's 11 terrific albums have unfailingly climbed the jazz radio charts. Jazz Times calls her "the real deal."