Erena Terakubo
Japanese jazz saxophonist
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Erena Terakubo (寺久保エレナ, born April 3, 1992) is a Japanese jazz saxophonist, composer, and bandleader based in the United States. She is known for her work on alto saxophone and for performing internationally as a leader and sideman in contemporary jazz.[1]
Early life and education
Terakubo was born in Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan.[1] She began playing the alto saxophone at the age of nine and joined the Sapporo Junior Jazz School.[2]
At age 15, she received a scholarship to attend Berklee College of Music's five-week summer program. She later enrolled as an undergraduate, earning an Artist Diploma in 2014 and a bachelor's degree in 2018.[2]
She later completed a Master of Music degree at the Manhattan School of Music in 2023.[3][4]
Career
Terakubo released her debut album, North Bird, in 2009 while still a high school student.[2] The album featured trumpeter Terumasa Hino and pianist Makoto Ozone.[1] The album reached number one on the Japanese jazz charts and received a Swing Journal Gold Disc award.[5] She was described as having "blazing alto saxophone chops" early in her career.[5]
She subsequently recorded albums including New York Attitude (2011) and Burkina (2013) with Kenny Barron, Christian McBride, Ron Carter, Lee Pearson, and Peter Bernstein.[2]
Early reviews of her recordings noted her command of bebop repertoire and technical facility.[6]
After graduating from Berklee, Terakubo moved to New York City in 2015, where she became active in the jazz scene,[5] performing at venues such as the Blue Note Jazz Club and Dizzy's Club at Jazz at Lincoln Center.[1] She later toured with pianist Kenny Barron's quartet, performing at venues including the Kennedy Center and the Hollywood Bowl.[5]
She was selected to perform at the 2022 International Jazz Day Global Concert, representing Japan.[2]
She has also appeared in U.S. concert presentations, including a performance at Penn Live Arts in Philadelphia.[7]
She has appeared as a member of collaborative ensembles, including the New York–based septet The Empress.[8]
In 2025, Terakubo joined the faculty of Michigan State University as an assistant professor of jazz saxophone.[3]
Style and influences
Terakubo's playing draws on bebop and hard bop traditions and reflects the influence of Charlie Parker, Cannonball Adderley, Phil Woods, and Sonny Stitt.[2]
Her playing has been described as having a strong sense of swing and a mature improvisational approach.[2]
In coverage by public radio station WRTI, Terakubo has been described as a "sparkling torchbearer for the bebop tradition defined by Charlie Parker" .[7]
Pianist John Beasley described her as having "a unique and beautiful voice on the saxophone with one foot in tradition, and the other with a vision for the future."[2]
Discography
As leader
- North Bird (2009)
- New York Attitude (2011)
- Burkina (2013)
- A Time for Love (2015)
- Little Girl Power (2017)
- Step Forward (2021)