Live Jazz in New York

Erika Matsuo Vocalist / Composer Erika Matsuo is a jazz vocalist, songwriter, and composer from Miyama City, Fukuoka, Japan, and serves as Miyama City’s Tourism Ambassador. Based in New York City, she has built an international career performing throughout the U.S., Japan, Brazil, and Asia, including Vietnam, Korea, and Hong Kong. After studying English literature in Japan, Erika moved to New York and graduated from the Jazz Professional Program at The City College of New York (CUNY), where she studied under legendary jazz vocalist Sheila Jordan and received the Music Award for outstanding students. She also spent ten years singing in a Harlem church choir, developing her gospel and spiritual expression. Erika has performed regularly at renowned venues such as Blue Note New York, Jazz at Kitano, DROM, BB King, and Rockwood Music Hall, and has toured Japan annually since 2005. In 2025, she celebrated the 20th anniversary of her Japan Tour with special CD release performances across Asia and Brazil. This year, she is presenting the release show for her 9th album, Meguriyuku, continuing her international touring and recording journey. She won the Grand Prize in the Vocal Division of the prestigious Asakusa Jazz Competition in 2007 and also performed for a Sokenbicha commercial by The Coca-Cola Company that same year. Erika has appeared as a guest vocalist with artists including Monday Michiru and renowned trumpeter James Zollar, known for his work with the Count Basie Orchestra and the Duke Ellington Orchestra. She was also featured as a guest vocalist on his album. Her recording collaborations include acclaimed musicians such as Gil Goldstein, Dr. Lonnie Smith, David Gilmore, Steve Wilson, Yosvany Terry, and many other internationally recognized artists. She has released nine albums to date, with True Colors selected as one of the top jazz vocal albums by JazzPage.net, and her original song “Here and Now” becoming an ISC 2025 Semifinalist. In 2025, she appeared in and performed the theme song for the film Shinrai starring Kumiko Fujiyoshi, Tomoka Kurotani, and Taro Kawano. As a certified NYVC vocal coach, Erika also mentors younger singers and is actively involved in music education. She composed both lyrics and music for the school anthems of Takata Elementary School and Miyama Junior High School in her hometown. With a warm voice, heartfelt expression, and deep passion for storytelling through music, Erika continues to connect audiences across cultures through jazz.