Biography
Pianist Kei Akagi has earned his strongest reputation through sideman work, though the breadth of his recording credits and stylistic range remain striking. Born in Japan, he spent much of his youth in Cleveland between the ages of five and twelve before returning home. Classical piano studies began at five, yet pop and rock soon captured his attention as well. After settling back in Japan he pursued degrees in both philosophy and music while performing at high-school dances and alongside his college ensemble. At twenty-two he moved once more to the United States, intending to complete a doctorate in philosophy at the University of California, Santa Barbara. A single month later he was already on stage with Bobby Bryant and Blue Mitchell, and within two years he had abandoned academic plans to devote himself entirely to music. Between 1979 and 1985 he performed regularly in the band jointly directed by Airto Moreira and Flora Purim. Subsequent collaborations have encompassed Joe Farrell, James Newton, Allan Holdsworth, Jean-Luc Ponty, a two-year tenure with Al DiMeola, Miles Davis from 1989 to 1991, and Stanley Turrentine. In 1992 he issued a recording on the Moo/Bluemoon label and has remained a steady presence on the Los Angeles scene. His discography features the 1991 album Playroom, the 1994 release Mirror Puzzle, and the 2000 collection New Smiles & Travelled.
Albums
