Album Notes

Akiko Tsuruga’s second release on 18th & Vine couldn’t be more perfectly named. Oriental Express transports the listener on an exciting journey through soul-jazz, R&B, jazz standards and originals.

Masterful B3 style that appeals to fans of Shirley Scott, Jack McDuff, Big John Patton, Dr. Lonnie Smith & Brother Jack McDuff and Jimmy Smith. Regularly performs as a key member of the Lou Donaldson Quartet. Also performs with the Jackson Brothers, Jerry Weldon Trio, and Madam Pat Tandy Group.

Featured in DownBeat’s 56th Annual Critics poll as “Rising Star Organ.” Author of jazz instructional book Hammond Organ Complete (Berklee Press). First jazz organist to receive the “New Star Award” by Swing Journal. Previous 18th & Vine release named Best CD of 2007 by DownBeat, and reached # 13 on the jazz radio charts.


“Akiko Tsuruga, a New Yorker who relocated there six years ago from Osaka, Japan, uses powerhouse chops, good taste, and impeccable sense of swing and extra large ears to remind us of everything we always loves about the organ-trio tradition.” — DownBeat

“Wow! New York based Hammond B3 organist and pianist Akiko Tsuruga’s latest CD, Sweet and Funky, is as the kids used to say ‘the bomb’ … Tsuruga has too much funkiness in her to settle for playing just a ‘good’ solo. Her lines pile on top of each other with the force of a tsunami until the energy has been ratcheted up to tidal wave proportions.” — JazzReview

“Akiko Tsuruga ranks as one of the top organists around today.” — Scott Yanow, All Music Guide


Featured Artists
Akiko Tsuruga: Hammond B3 organ
Eric Johnson: guitar
Rudy Petschauer: drums
Jerry Weldon: tenor sax
Wilson “Chembo” Corniel: percussion