Yumi Ito vocals, piano & composition · Alessio Cazzetta electric guitar · Nadav Erlich double bass · Iago Fernandez drums
The Swiss-Polish-Japanese vocalist, pianist, and composer creates complex soundscapes through piano and vocal improvisation, spanning from pop to avant-garde. — Tim Dickeson, Jazzwise Magazine
A laureate of the Montreux Jazz Competition, Yumi Ito is recognized by critics as one of the most exciting discoveries in contemporary jazz vocals.
Her sixth album, Lonely Island (enja, 2025), earned her the Artist of the Year award from Bluebird Reviews (UK/US) and reveals the most intimate side of her artistry: personal stories, powerful improvisations, and a unique voice — like an island in the middle of the ocean between jazz, art-pop, and neoclassicism.
The award-winning artist performs solo or with her band, featuring guitarist Alessio Cazzetta, bassist Nadav Erlich, and drummer Iago Fernández. Her touring highlights include the Blue Note Jazz Festival in New York (US), European Showcase jazzahead! 2024 (DE), Montreux Jazz Festival (CH), Jazzfest Trondheim (NO), and Cairo Jazz Festival (EG), among many others.
The new band album, Distant Voices, will be released in spring 2027.
