Japanese born Arisa brings a new perspective to old jazz. With a silky and sultry vibrato resounding in a cotton soft voice that has been characterized as Billy Holiday singing in the style of Ertha Kitt, Arisa has captured the attention of jazz enthusiasts in the U.S and abroad.

Classically trained in music theory and composition, Arisa spent many of her early years dissecting the fundamentals of music. Not satisfied with the notion that music must be neatly arranged and rehearsed, she soon discovered a kindred spirit in the sounds of jazz. Fascinated by the improvisational freedom and pure essence of the music, she began exploring it's history and culture.

Arisa's singing career started in her native Osaka, Japan. Arisa astounded early listeners with her raw talent and was urged to stage a series of solo concerts. The overwhelming support of her hometown fans inspired Arisa to relocate to New York and pursue a career in the footsteps of jazz's leading ladies. With a voice that resonates the deepest of emotions, Arisa quickly developed a steady following on the New York jazz circuit. Her audiences are amazed to hear a Japanese woman sing jazz so well, and thrilled to experience familiar standards from a new point of view.

In 2001, Arisa produced her debut album entitled We Are Part of Nature. This impressive first recording features Dr.Eddie Henderson on flugelhorn - a native New Yorker who has played with the likes of Herbie Hancock and the Mingus Band. Arisa's unique voice and style make her music unforgettable. When this small Japanese girl sings the blues, emotion pours out like spring water. In Arisa, you meet the pure and hopeful child you once were.

Room 507

Formed in 2009, the art unit room 507 is based in Brooklyn, New York. Members are <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.arisaitami.com/" href="http://www.arisaitami.com/">Arisa</a> (Vocals), Toru Yamauchi (Guitar), and Shinya Sugimoto (Piano and Sound effects). Aiming at composite art, room 507 fuses old Jazz, electronic sound and visual elements into the new style of music performance. Their conceptual performance is based on a story set in ruined earth in the future.

Arisa

Download Arisa's solo albums We Are Part of Nature and Life is on iTunes.

Listen to selections from Arisa on Soundcloud.