Out On a Great Note

Legendary jazz pianist Kei Akagi to retire

After more than two and a half decades of service to the University of California, Irvine, Claire Trevor School of the Arts, UCI Chancellor’s Professor Kei Akagi will retire in the spring of 2023. His retirement marks the end of an era for the university’s jazz program, which he has directed and helped to grow into one of the most respected in the country.

Akagi’s retirement is a bittersweet moment for the university community, as well as for his colleagues, former students, and fans around the world. Throughout his career, Akagi has significantly impacted the world of jazz, both as a musician and as an educator.

Born in Tokyo in 1953, Akagi was raised in a musical family and started playing piano at a young age. His father was a jazz pianist, and he passed on his love of jazz to his son. Akagi went on to study music at the Berklee College of Music in Boston, where he honed his skills and developed his unique approach to jazz.

In 1976, Akagi moved to Los Angeles, where he quickly established himself as a sought-after session musician. He played with some of the biggest names in the jazz world, including Miles Davis, Stanley Turrentine and Al Di Meola. In 1985, he joined Miles Davis’ band, where he played as a keyboardist for six years.

During his time with Davis, Akagi became known for his innovative use of technology in his music. He incorporated synthesizers and other electronic instruments into his playing, creating a sound that was both traditional and modern.

As a dedicated educator, Akagi began teaching at UCI in the late 1990s, serving as a professor of music and as the director of the jazz studies program. Under his leadership, the program flourished, and many of his students have gone on to successful careers in the music industry.

In 2004, Akagi was named a UCI Chancellor’s Professor, a title given to faculty who have achieved acclaim for their accomplishments and who are highly likely to continue producing notable achievements in scholarship.

Akagi’s approach to teaching jazz is holistic and focused on helping his students develop their unique voice. He encouraged them to explore different genres of music, collaborate with each other, and support each other’s creative endeavors.

Throughout his career, Akagi recorded numerous albums as a solo artist and bandleader, including Mirror Puzzle and Playroom. His music was known for its blend of traditional jazz with elements of rock, funk, and Japanese folk music.

Despite his retirement, Akagi’s impact on the world of jazz and music education will continue to be felt for many years to come. His dedication to his craft and his commitment to his students have left a lasting legacy, and his influence on the next generation of musicians is immeasurable.

Discography, as leader/co-leader

Akagi has recorded 14 albums as a solo artist and leader. As a sideman and accompanist, he is on over 60 albums worldwide, including Miles Davis’ last recorded works. He has also written numerous original works for his own and others’ recordings, with over 100 compositions currently in publication. Below is a short discography.

1983, Symphonic Fusion – The Earth
Soundtrack
1992, Playroom
Some tracks trio, with Bob Harrison and John Patitucci (bass; separately), Tom Brechtlein (drums); most tracks quartet, with Rick Margitza (tenor sax, soprano sax) added 1992, Sound Circle. As The Asian American Jazz Trio; with Rufus Reid (bass), Akira Tana (drums)
1994, Mirror Puzzle
Quartet, with Rick Margitza (tenor sax, soprano sax), Charles Fambrough (bass), Willie Jones III (drums)
2000, New Smiles and Traveled Miles
Trio, with Darek Oleszkiewicz (bass), Joe LaBarbera (drums)
2000, Viewpoint
Trio
2001, Palette
Some tracks trio, with Tomokazu Sugimoto (bass), Tamaya Honda (drums); some tracks trio with Nobuyoshi Ino (bass), Hiroshi Murakami (drums); some tracks quartet, with Kousuke Mine (tenor sax, bass clarinet)
2003, Grand New Touch
Duo, with Fumio Karashima (piano)
2003, A Hint of You
Trio, with Tomokazu Sugimoto (bass), Tamaya Honda (drums)
2004, Modern Ivory
Trio, with Tomokazu Sugimoto (bass), Tamaya Honda (drums)
2006, Live – Shapes in Sound
Trio, with Tomokazu Sugimoto (bass), Tamaya Honda (drums); in concert
2007, Liquid Blue
Trio, with Tomokazu Sugimoto (bass), Tamaya Honda (drums)
2014, Circlepoint
Trio, with Shunya Wakai (bass), Tamaya Honda (drums)
2016, Contrast & Form
Trio, with Shunya Wakai (bass), Tamaya Honda (drums)
2018, Aqua Puzzle
Trio, with Shunya Wakai (bass), Tamaya Honda (drums)