Rina Yamazaki Trio, Featuring Dave Santoro and Neal Smith

Originally from Saitama, Japan, Rina Yamazaki is a jazz pianist, arranger, and composer. She will present original songs, joined by former Berklee College of Music professors Dave Santoro (bass) and Neal Smith (drums).

After recording as a bandleader for the first time in January 2018 with Peter Washington on bass and Smith on drums, she entered the prestigious Ellis Marsalis International Jazz Piano Competition. Yamazaki was awarded second place, as well as the Nu Jazz Agency’s Chico & Lupe O’Farrill Award for best original composition. Her recording was featured on WGBO-FM as part of its Jazz Appreciation Month series.