Biography

​Atzko Kohashi is a Japanese-born pianist with an international background, currently based in Amsterdam. Her musical journey began at the age of five with classical piano training. While studying Law at Keio University in Tokyo, she discovered her passion for jazz, joining the university’s big band and performing in the vibrant Tokyo jazz scene.

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From 1994 to 2001, Atzko lived in New York, where she honed her craft under the guidance of jazz master Steve Kuhn. Her life across three continents—Asia, America, and Europe—has deeply shaped her musical perspective, resulting in a unique style that transcends borders. This multicultural influence is evident in her playing, described by critics as “warm, natural, and deeply human.” Her music is often likened to the Zen philosophy of balance: “neither too much nor too little.” While her roots lie in jazz, Atzko infuses each melody with her own distinctive voice, creating a sound that is both intimate and profound.

 

Since moving to Amsterdam in 2005, Atzko has collaborated with a wide range of Dutch musicians, including bassist Frans van der Hoeven, bassist Tony Overwater, drummer Sebastiaan Kaptein, percussionist Eddy Koopman, trumpeter Angelo Verploegen, cellist Maya Fridman, and vocalist Denise Jannah, among others. These collaborations have led to a series of critically acclaimed duo and trio albums, resonating with both critics and audiences alike.

Her album “Crescent”—a duo with bassist Tony Overwater—was released in Japan in 2021 and internationally in 2022. It received nominations for Der Preis der deutschen Schallplattenkritik (The German Record Critics' Award, 2/2022) and the Dutch Edison Award (National category, 2022). Their latest album, “A Drum Thing,” released in May 2023, has also garnered widespread acclaim. 

 

In the fall of 2023, she performed as a duo with at the Cairo Jazz Festival in Egypt, and in the summer of 2024, she embarked on a concert tour in Japan, marking a period of remarkable activity.