"A welcome addition to the jazz scene." - JazzReview.com
"The musical equivalent to sunshine." - San Diego Troubador
East West, founded by Reiko Obata, was formed in 2005 as a blend of artists, talent, and cultures. With the unique instrumental combination of Japanese koto and Western instruments, East West offers a fresh, dynamic sound that is a new take on jazz standards, traditional melodies and original compositions. Their self-titled CD has been played on jazz stations in the U.S. and internationally, including Hawaii, Japan, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the UK, and the Netherlands!
Reiko
Obata is at home in both
traditional and jazz arenas. With master's degrees from the
Seiha Conservatory of Japanese Music and San Diego State University,
her music has been featured in TV, film and live theatre. Obata has
produced several CDs of her own compositions and arrangements.
Jimmy Patton is renowned for his ability to play two guitars simultaneously. He won the title of "Best Unsigned Guitarist" in the 2001 national Guitarmageddon competition. Patton has shared the stage with Grammy award winner Stanley Jordan and Laurence Juber of Paul McCartney's "Wings."
Russell Bizzett is known for his creativity and his sensitivity to balance. He has toured with Chuck Berry, Muddy Waters, Jose Feliciano and Freddy Hubbard. He has recorded for the Laverne & Shirley Show and the Merv Griffin Show. Bizzett has also performed with the Boston Pops and the Berlin Pops.
